Nothing herein shall prevent the department from:

(1) Choosing not to pursue a case administratively.

(2) Issuing a notice of correction in lieu of pursuing administrative action.

(3) Negotiating settlement(s) of cases on such terms and for such reasons as it deems appropriate. Prior violation(s) covered by a prior settlement agreement may be used by the department for the purpose of determining the appropriate penalty for the current alleged violation(s) if not prohibited by the agreement.