What must be reported if three or more claims occur within a year?

The correct choice is payment of settlement awards. In the context of Washington State dental hygiene practice, if a dental hygienist has three or more malpractice claims filed against them within a year, there is a requirement to report the payments made towards any settlements resulting from those claims. This reporting is crucial as it helps maintain transparency and accountability within the healthcare field, allowing relevant regulatory bodies to monitor the practice of dental hygienists and ensure they meet safety and professional standards.

Reporting settlement awards is vital for maintaining the integrity of health care practices. It allows for scrutiny of patterns in claims that may indicate a need for additional training or oversight.

The other choices do not align with the requirement to report in the event of multiple claims. Annual practice reviews pertain to the evaluation of practice, accreditation status updates involve the status of dental hygiene programs, and licensure examinations are separate assessments unrelated to the frequency of malpractice claims. These aspects focus more on ongoing education and practice standards rather than on the specific reporting requirements associated with malpractice claims.