Patient Identification Before Medication: Two-Identifier Protocol

Best Practice

Use two patient identifiers before administering any medication. Minimum: name + date of birth.

Additional Identifiers

• Hospital/medical record number
• Social Security number
• Driver's license number
• Passport number

Critical Steps

1. Ask patient to state name and DOB.
2. If unable to communicate, use alternate identifiers (MRN, hospital number).
3. Match identifiers to medication order.
4. If uncertain, contact prescriber/pharmacist.

Prevents medication errors and ensures patient safety.