Section 19. Privilege and Immunity

(A) Members of the Board, Board Counsel, and Staff shall be absolutely immune from suit for all conduct in the course of their official duties.

(B) All communications to the Board, a Panel, or Board Counsel, relating to conduct for which a Judicial Officer could be suspended, removed from office, or otherwise disciplined pursuant to PA. CONST. Art. V, § 18(d)(1), and all testimony given in a proceeding conducted pursuant to these rules, shall be absolutely privileged, and the person making the communication or giving the testimony shall be immune from suit based upon such communication or testimony, except that such immunity shall not extend to any action that violates Rule 17 (Confidentiality).

(C) For purposes of this rule, the Staff of the Board shall be deemed to include those persons examining, or participating in the treatment or counseling of, a Judicial Officer pursuant to these rules, and/or conservators and sobriety, financial, or practice monitors appointed pursuant to the Rules of Professional Conduct or the Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.