According to the Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals, how many identifiers must health care providers use to enhance patient verification?

The correct answer is two identifiers. The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals emphasize the importance of correctly identifying patients to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of care delivery. By using two identifiers, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of errors such as administering medications to the wrong patient or performing procedures on the incorrect individual.

Typically, these identifiers include the patient's name and date of birth, but organizations may also use other unique identifiers such as medical record numbers or account numbers to enhance accuracy. This protocol aims to confirm the patient's identity before any treatment or procedure, promoting accountability and adherence to safety standards in healthcare settings.