Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What is an essential part of the patient identification process?

1. Verification of insurance information

2. Confirmation of date of birth

3. Recording medical history

4. Assessing their current condition

The correct answer is: Confirmation of date of birth

An essential part of the patient identification process is the confirmation of date of birth. This step is critical because it helps ensure that the right treatment, medication, and information are provided to the correct patient. Date of birth serves as a unique identifier that can prevent mistakes due to name similarities or duplications, ultimately enhancing patient safety. While verification of insurance information, recording medical history, and assessing current conditions contribute to overall effective healthcare delivery, they do not specifically address the need for accurately identifying a patient at the outset. An incorrect patient identification can lead to serious errors in medical treatment, making the confirmation of date of birth a foundational aspect of safe patient care practices.