The Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) directs CRCs to “. . . apply appropriate decision-making models and skills to resolve dilemmas and act ethically” (Section M—Introduction). Other codes of ethics include similar verbiage, suggesting knowledge and application of the Code as a beginning step when using an ethical decision-making model. The updated “Resolving Ethical Dilemmas” section of the Code (now Section M) guides CRCs on using the Code as a tool when encountering ethical dilemmas. This article describes updates to Section M resulting from the Code revision process. Contemporary counseling ethical decision-making models are reviewed, and descriptions of Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) resources to assist with ethical decision-making are provided. In addition, an examination of the CRCC ethics committee’s process for addressing grievances and providing advisory opinions is outlined. In addition, this article provides a brief overview of how the committee relies on the Code overall, specifically Section M, to carry out its mission. Two case studies provide examples using the Code to examine a process for resolving ethical dilemmas.

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The first case of COVID-19 was reported in the United States in January 2020. To date, the U.S. reports more than 87 million confirmed cases and more than 1 million related deaths. In the U.S., published research suggests that COVID-19 transmission and prevention practices presented challenges for people with disabilities regarding job status and access to services. To explore the impact of COVID-19 on employment and service provision for persons with disabilities (PWD), the authors performed a systematic review of published quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in the U.S. from January 2020 through December 2021. From the 19 identified studies, findings were grouped into three themes: employment, quality of life, and coping. The impact of COVID-19 and other adverse events (e.g., global pandemic, supply chain issues, financial recession, hurricanes, flooding, wildfires) on the provision of vocational rehabilitation services and employment outcomes for persons with disabilities should be further explored. Based on review findings, the COVID-19 Lived Experiences Scale for Persons with Disabilities (CLES-PWD) was created to understand the experiences of PWD in terms of their employment, quality of life, and coping. The CLES-PWD can serve as a tool for vocational rehabilitation professionals when providing employment planning to enhance employment outcomes.

The use of technology in rehabilitation counseling including the delivery of rehabilitation services via virtual counseling is occurring at greater rates than ever before. At the same time, views about the utility of social media have evolved, necessitating increased consideration of social media benefits while at the same time highlighting a need for more detailed guidance regarding its usage and risks. As a standard of ethical practice, certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs) are required to be aware of guidelines that govern the ethical use of technology in the provision of rehabilitation services, including revisions to the Code of Professional Ethics for CRCs. The 2023 revisions to the Technology, Social Media, and Virtual Counseling section of the Code of Professional Ethics for CRCs specify expanded guidance for CRCs integrating apps, relevant social media, and the provision of virtual counseling. To assist CRCs to meet their standard of ethical practice, this article reviews the historical evolution of technology within the Code, the changes and expansions to Section K of the Code and discusses ethical consideration and revised guidance in the critical technology areas of virtual counseling and social media.