Which two identifiers should always be used to properly identify a patient?

Using both the name and date of birth (DOB) as identifiers is considered a best practice in patient identification for several reasons. The name provides a clear reference to the individual's identity, ensuring that care providers can confirm they are interacting with the correct patient based on their records. The date of birth serves as a critical secondary identifier that helps to differentiate between patients who may share the same name, which is a common occurrence in healthcare settings.

This combination minimizes the risk of errors that could arise from mistaken identity, leading to better patient safety and care outcomes. While other options may contain useful information, they do not provide the same level of reliability and specificity in confirming a patient's identity. The utilization of both name and DOB is widely recommended in clinical guidelines to enhance accuracy in patient identification processes.