Safety & Infection Control: Identifying a Patient

How many pieces of independent information are required for adequate identification of a patient in the health care setting?

At least 2

What are the 5 acceptable unique patient identifiers?

Name

An assigned number

Telephone number

DOB

Last 4 digits for social security

Is a room number an acceptable identifier?

No

Is an armband an acceptable identifier?

No, it can be used to verify that the patient answers are ACCURATE

Does Joint Commission require armbands?

No

Does taping and armband to the beside count as an acceptable identifier?

No

Can pictures be used as acceptable identifiers?

Yes, as long as this practice is institutional protocol.

Can a family member count as a acceptable idetifier?

ONLY if they have power of attorney, (or parent/legal guardian)

Is an address an acceptable form of ID?

Yes

Is it safe practice to accept another nurse’s verbal identification of a patient as identification?

No, just because another nurse identifies a patient does not mean they are correct.

How often do you properly identify a patient?

Before every time you perform care. Yes, it does get redundant, but it is required.