What is one method for verifying a patient's identity before administering medication?

Verifying a patient's identity is a crucial step in ensuring that the correct medication is administered to the right individual. Having the patient state their name and date of birth is an effective method for confirmation because these personal identifiers are typically unique to the individual and are consistently used in medical records. This method allows for a direct and straightforward way to ensure that the individual receiving treatment is indeed the intended recipient, which helps minimize the risk of medication errors.

Using the patient's insurance information, while important for billing purposes, does not directly confirm their identity as it may not reflect their current personal details. Reviewing past medical history does not establish current identity either, as it pertains more to the patient's health background rather than their present identification. Calling a family member could lead to delays and potential miscommunication, compromising the verification process. Therefore, having the patient actively provide their name and date of birth is the most effective and immediate way to ensure accurate patient identification before administering medication.