(a) The withdrawal of an application for a license after it has been filed with the Department shall not, unless the Department consents in writing to such withdrawal, deprive the Department of its authority to institute or continue a proceeding against the applicant for the denial of the license upon any ground provided by law or to enter an order denying the license upon any such ground.

(b) The suspension, expiration or forfeiture by operation of law of a license issued by the Department, or its suspension, forfeiture or cancellation by order of the Department or by order of a court of law, or its surrender without the written consent of the Department, shall not deprive the Department of its authority to institute or continue a disciplinary proceeding against the licensee upon any ground provided by law or to enter an order suspending or revoking the license or otherwise taking disciplinary action against the licensee on any such ground.