The Joint Commission developed the newborn identification requirement for all accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals as part of one of the organization’s national patient safety goals.
The goal requires hospitals to “use at least two patient identifiers when providing care, treatment and services.”
The organization provided several examples of identification methods for newborn patients, including:
- Distinct naming systems using the mother’s first and last names and the newborn’s gender (“Smith, Judy Girl” or “Smith, Judy Girl A” and “Smith, Judy Girl B” for multiples).
- Standardized practices for identification banding (two body-site identification and barcoding).
- Establishing identification-specific communication tools among staff (visually alerting staff with signage noting newborns with similar names).
The Joint Commission also released a new report to help hospitals comply with the requirement.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
Hospitals reporting zero HAIs are declining, Leapfrog report reveals
BCBS-designated hospitals see C-section rates drop by 32%
These 6 hospitals faced potential Medicare contract termination in 2018: Here’s why
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
