(a) It is a ground for removal from office if the counsellor:
(1) does not have at the time of taking office or maintain during service as counsellor the qualifications required by Section 13.022;
(2) is ineligible for service as counsellor under Section 13.022, 13.042, or 13.043; or
(3) cannot discharge the counsellor's duties for a substantial part of the term for which the counsellor is appointed because of illness or disability.
(b) The validity of an action of the office is not affected by the fact that the action is taken when a ground for removal of the counsellor exists.
(c) If an employee has knowledge that a potential ground for removal of the counsellor exists, the employee shall notify the next highest ranking employee of the office, other than the counsellor, who shall then notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists.