DCSA - Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 12:49
Innovative collaboration: DCSA teams up with Blanchfield Community Hospital
In the realm of national security, the meticulous review of individual backgrounds is critical to ensuring that only the most qualified and trustworthy individuals receive security clearances. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Background Investigations (DCSA BI) team, in collaboration with Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH), Fort Campbell, Ky., is at the forefront of enriching this process. Their combined efforts have resulted in a more efficient, accurate, and comprehensive approach to evaluating security clearance candidates, particularly regarding medical histories.
Obtaining a security clearance is a critical step for many professionals in the defense and/or intelligence community. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and its interface with matters of national security. Seeking mental health treatment does not keep a person from obtaining a clearance. Between 2012 and 2023, there were no revocations or denials of personnel clearance eligibility solely based upon an individual seeking mental health treatment. Furthermore, there are no automatically disqualifying conditions or treatments, due to a full scope methodology being used to evaluate a person's fitness for a clearance. Balancing the need for a fair and accurate assessment of an individual's well-being, in relation to national security, is essential.
In partnering with BACH, DCSA BI has been able to significantly enhance its review process. When individuals who are undergoing security or suitability/fitness vetting report certain behavioral health concerns, medical opinions and/or records help the government resolve these concerns. Traditionally, the examination of medical records for security clearance purposes could be time-intensive and complex, involving multiple steps and verification procedures. The integrated approach facilitated by this partnership simplified these procedures, making them more efficient and less burdensome.
"Fostering the relationship with the treatment facility and the providers was pivotal in our success," said Ralph "Chad" Walker, Supervisory Agent in Charge, Clarksville Resident Office, Tenn. One of the standout achievements of the DCSA BI and BACH collaboration was successfully closing 11.2 percent more cases than the rest of similar medical facilities across the country.
Furthermore, the partnership exemplified the benefits of cross-disciplinary collaboration. By combining investigative expertise with medical insights, DCSA BI and BACH have set a new standard for how security clearances can be conducted. "The dedication of personnel at Fort Campbell was impeccable, as they expeditiously respond to requests for medical records reviews and interviews with the providers," said Walker. "They were outstanding in identifying the appropriate POCs and establishing communication methods to ensure timeliness of written record requests."
The innovative approach not only improved the current process but also served as a model for future improvements and collaborations. "While we cannot control the workflow of military treatment facilities, we can continue to build relationships, while providing invaluable education pertaining to the vetting process, "said Tara Flank, Deputy Regional Mission Director, Field Operations. "The ongoing partnership between DCSA BI and Blanchfield Community Hospital is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing complex challenges. Their combined efforts resulted in a more efficient, accurate, and secure process for evaluating security clearance candidates."
Obtaining a security clearance is a critical step for many professionals in the defense and/or intelligence community. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and its interface with matters of national security. Seeking mental health treatment does not keep a person from obtaining a clearance. Between 2012 and 2023, there were no revocations or denials of personnel clearance eligibility solely based upon an individual seeking mental health treatment. Furthermore, there are no automatically disqualifying conditions or treatments, due to a full scope methodology being used to evaluate a person's fitness for a clearance. Balancing the need for a fair and accurate assessment of an individual's well-being, in relation to national security, is essential.
In partnering with BACH, DCSA BI has been able to significantly enhance its review process. When individuals who are undergoing security or suitability/fitness vetting report certain behavioral health concerns, medical opinions and/or records help the government resolve these concerns. Traditionally, the examination of medical records for security clearance purposes could be time-intensive and complex, involving multiple steps and verification procedures. The integrated approach facilitated by this partnership simplified these procedures, making them more efficient and less burdensome.
"Fostering the relationship with the treatment facility and the providers was pivotal in our success," said Ralph "Chad" Walker, Supervisory Agent in Charge, Clarksville Resident Office, Tenn. One of the standout achievements of the DCSA BI and BACH collaboration was successfully closing 11.2 percent more cases than the rest of similar medical facilities across the country.
Furthermore, the partnership exemplified the benefits of cross-disciplinary collaboration. By combining investigative expertise with medical insights, DCSA BI and BACH have set a new standard for how security clearances can be conducted. "The dedication of personnel at Fort Campbell was impeccable, as they expeditiously respond to requests for medical records reviews and interviews with the providers," said Walker. "They were outstanding in identifying the appropriate POCs and establishing communication methods to ensure timeliness of written record requests."
The innovative approach not only improved the current process but also served as a model for future improvements and collaborations. "While we cannot control the workflow of military treatment facilities, we can continue to build relationships, while providing invaluable education pertaining to the vetting process, "said Tara Flank, Deputy Regional Mission Director, Field Operations. "The ongoing partnership between DCSA BI and Blanchfield Community Hospital is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing complex challenges. Their combined efforts resulted in a more efficient, accurate, and secure process for evaluating security clearance candidates."