(1) All persons appearing in proceedings before the board are required to follow the rules of professional conduct (RPC) required of attorneys before the courts of Washington. If any such person does not follow these rules, the hearing officer has the discretion, depending on the circumstances, to admonish or reprimand such person, exclude such person from further participation in the proceedings, adjourn the hearing, or report the matter to the board. Further, all persons are required to treat all parties, representatives, and the board's staff courteously and fairly both inside and outside the proceedings.

(2) The board in its discretion, either upon referral by a hearings officer or on its own motion, may consider information that establishes to the board a question regarding a person's ethical conduct and fitness to practice before the board. This information will be considered at a hearing after notice to all parties. If the person's conduct is found to be unethical or unfit, the board may take appropriate disciplinary action including, but not limited to, refusal to permit such person to appear or appear in a representative capacity in any proceeding before the board.