Many states now require healthcare professionals to wear a photo ID card. States are just catching up with industry best practices long recognized by leading care providers as a low-cost, highly visible means of emphasizing their professionalism.
Photo ID cards clearly identify the bearer’s qualifications and the name of the organization he or she represents. They especially make elderly patients more comfortable with their caregivers and help them remember their names. Cards reduce the discomfort of a patient needing to ask “Who are you?” or “Are you a doctor?” And they reassure loved ones that their eldercare provider is actively promoting accountability and fighting potential identity theft.
The industry needs to combat the possibility of elder abuse through misrepresentation. Unfortunately, as more elders choose to age in place, they become targets for scams and “snake-oil” salesmen. Requiring all healthcare professionals to clearly identify themselves at the door is an easy and powerful method to help limit security risks.
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