Which of the following technologies can be used to ensure positive patient identity?

Using biometric technologies such as palm vein recognition, facial recognition, and retinal scans is highly effective for ensuring positive patient identity. These methods rely on unique physical characteristics of individuals, making it nearly impossible to forge or misrepresent identity. Biometric systems enhance security by providing a high level of accuracy in identifying individuals, thus reducing the risk of errors in patient identification. This is particularly crucial in healthcare settings, where verifying patient identity is vital for providing appropriate treatment and safeguarding sensitive medical information.

While barcode scanners contribute to patient identification by matching printed barcodes on wristbands or documents with electronic health records, and health information exchanges facilitate information sharing among providers, these methods do not provide the same level of individual verification that biometrics do. Two-factor authentication, which involves confirming a user's identity through two separate means, adds a layer of security but is typically more applicable to “virtual” identity verification systems rather than direct patient identification at the point of care. Therefore, biometric technologies stand out as the most reliable method for positively identifying patients in healthcare environments.