Hi everyone-
I'm thinking about applying to some GS-1811 criminal investigator/special agent positions. The issue is that I am on a legally prescribed (non-controlled substance) medication that I do not need to disclose pursuant to form SF-86, but that I think might not let me get medical clearance. It is unclear to me whether the last statement is 100% accurate, but I am sure it would be an automatic disqualifier for the US military (based upon the online versions of various medical manuals), so i'm assuming there would be a similar issue. Also, it is something that would not show up during any sort of physical, medical examination or drug test.
So, my question is, if one is truthful on the SF-86, would you likely be required to answer questions relating to currently-prescribed (non-controlled substance) medications in the course of the Polygraph or Background Investigation?
Thanks much,
It is standard operating procedure for polygraphers to ask examinees about any medical conditions they may have and any medications they may be taking. This information will be duly noted, supposedly out of concern over the potential effects of any such conditions or medications on the polygraph examination. And yet, as Dr. Alan P. Zelicoff has pointed out (https://antipolygraph.org/articles/article-012.shtml), "there are no guidelines, articles, or textbook chapters anywhere in the medical, psychiatric and psychology literature on 'medical contra-indications to the polygraph.'" In practice, polygraph operators will happily polygraph virtually anyone with an arm and a pulse.