(a) Boundaries of competence.

1. (1) Counselors practice only within the boundaries of their competence based on their:

   1. (A) Education;
   2. (B) Training;
   3. (C) Supervised experience;
   4. (D) State and national professional credentials; and
   5. (E) Appropriate professional experience.

2. (2) Counselors will demonstrate a commitment to gain:

   1. (A) Knowledge;
   2. (B) Personal awareness;
   3. (C) Sensitivity; and
   4. (D) Skills pertinent to working with a diverse client population.

(b) New specialty areas of practice.

1. (1) Counselors practice in specialty areas new to them only after appropriate education, training, and supervised experience.

2. (2) While developing skills in new specialty areas, counselors take steps to:

   1. (A) Ensure the competence of their work; and
   2. (B) Protect others from possible harm.

(c) Qualified for employment.

1. (1) Counselors accept employment only for positions for which they are qualified by:

   1. (A) Education;
   2. (B) Training;
   3. (C) Supervised experience;
   4. (D) State and national professional credentials; and
   5. (E) Appropriate professional experience.
2. (2) Counselors hire for professional counseling positions only individuals who are qualified and competent.

(d) Monitor effectiveness.

1. (1) Counselors continually monitor their effectiveness as professionals and take steps to improve when necessary.
2. (2) Counselors in private practice take reasonable steps to seek out peer supervision to evaluate their efficacy as counselors.

(e) Ethical issues consultation.

1. (1) Counselors take reasonable steps to consult with other counselors or related professionals when they have questions regarding their ethical obligations or professional practice.
2. (2) See 17 CAR § 390-801.

(f) Continuing education.

1. (1) Counselors recognize the need for continuing education to maintain a reasonable level of awareness of current scientific and professional information in their fields of activity.
2. (2) They take steps to maintain competence in the skills they use, are open to new procedures, and keep current with the diverse and/or special populations with whom they work.

(g) Impairment.

1. (1) Counselors refrain from offering or accepting professional services when their physical, mental, or emotional problems are likely to harm a client or others.
2. (2) They are alert to the signs of impairment, seek assistance for problems, and, if necessary, limit, suspend, or terminate their professional responsibilities.
3. (3) See 17 CAR § 390-111(c).