All proceedings to suspend, revoke, or take any other disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, with regard to a license on any of the grounds under Section 70-5 of this Act may not be commenced later than 5 years next after the commission of any act which is a ground for discipline or a final conviction order for any of the acts described . In the event of the settlement of any claim or cause of action in favor of the claimant or the reduction to the final judgment of any civil action in favor of the plaintiff, such claim, cause of action or civil action being rounded on the allegation that a person licensed under this Act was negligent in providing care, the Department shall have an additional period of 2 years from the date of such settlement or final judgment in which to investigate and commence formal disciplinary proceedings under this Act, except as otherwise provided by law. The time during which the holder of the license was outside the State of Illinois shall not be included within any period of time limiting the commencement of disciplinary action by the Board.
225 ILCS 65/70-55