To enhance patient safety, we are implementing a requirement for paper-based orders arriving with externally collected specimens to include a minimum of three patient identifiers.
Effective June 30, 2025, all paper-based orders (including add-on orders) must include at least three patient identifiers. Patient’s Legal Name and Date of Birth must match the ones on the specimen’s label, and the third must match the identifier in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Any extra identifiers on the specimen label must also match the ones on the paperwork and in the EHR.
Examples of Patient Identifiers:
The following are examples (though not a comprehensive list) of patient identifiers that can be used to confirm a patient’s identity in the EHR:
- Patient Legal Name (required)
- Date of Birth (required)
- Social Security Number (last four digits)
- Phone Number
- Address
- Zip Code
- Email Address
- Photo ID
By accurately identifying and matching patient information on all documents and specimens, we reduce errors and protect patients from harm.
Unacceptable Orders:
In the event that we receive an unacceptable paper-based order, we will not cancel the order but will follow our downtime labeling process.
Please make sure everyone on your team knows about this new requirement and follows it to keep our patient safety standards high.
Thank you for your cooperation.
