Methods and apparatus for the secure identification of infants and parents in health care institutions

A parent and infant identification system, comprising:

• a) a matched set of identification bracelets, said matched set containing at least one infant identification bracelet and at least one parent identification bracelet, each of said bracelets bearing matching visual indicia, each of said bracelets bearing an electronically readable data button, each of said data buttons bearing matching electronically readable data;
• and
• b) an electronic data button reader for sequentially reading said data buttons, said reader including audible means for indicating when two sequentially read buttons bear matching data, wherein
• at least one of said electronically readable data includes means for enabling said data button reader to distinguish a double reading of one of said data buttons from a sequential reading of two data buttons bearing matching electronically readable data,
• said parent identification bracelet bears an electronically readable data button bearing matching electronically readable data which includes a parent identification number,
• said infant identification bracelet bears an electronically readable data button bearing matching electronically readable data which includes an indication of said parent identification number, and
• said indication of said parent identification number is in encrypted form.

A parent and infant identification bracelet set for use with an electronic data button reader, said bracelet set comprising:

• a) an infant bracelet bearing first visual indicia and a first electronic data button bearing first electronically readable data;
• and
• b) a first parent bracelet bearing second visual indicia and a second electronic data button bearing second electronically readable data, wherein
• at least one of said electronically readable data includes means for enabling the data button reader to distinguish a double reading of a single data button from a sequential reading of first and second data buttons, wherein
• said first electronically readable data includes an indication of said second electronically readable data, and
• said indication of said second electronically readable data is in encrypted form.