The Joint Commission requires that hospitals encourage patients' involvement in their own safety as one of the National Patient Safety Goals. Although patients have expressed concerns about being perceived as challenging their physicians if they ask questions regarding their care, prior research has shown that patients are willing to ask questions about their medications. However, this cross-sectional study showed that hospitalized patients are often unaware of their medications, with patients overall being able to name fewer than half of their medications correctly. Engaging patients in safety efforts may therefore require intensive educational efforts and improved communication as well as encouraging a culture of safety.