What information is essential to verify a patient’s identity before dispensing a prescription?

Verifying a patient’s identity before dispensing a prescription is a critical step to ensure safety and accuracy in medication delivery. The essential information for this verification includes the patient’s name, date of birth, and a unique identifier, which might be their driver's license number, medical record number, or another specific identifier.

The name and date of birth are fundamental for matching the prescription with the correct individual, as both pieces of information are typically included on medical records and prescriptions. A unique identifier further differentiates the patient from others who might share a similar name or birth date, reducing the risk of medication errors.

While other options like a social security number, insurance information, or previous prescriptions may provide additional context or help in verifying eligibility for medication coverage, they are not as directly relevant to confirming the patient's identity at the moment of dispensing. Using name, date of birth, and a unique identifier prioritizes patient safety and facilitates clear identification amidst potential confusion.