What term describes temporary elevated access in an emergency in Epic?

• A. Two-Factor Authentication
• B. Break-glass
• C. Discharge Planning / Care Plan
• D. Lab/Test Mapping (Order Mapping)

Answer: (B)

In Epic, temporary elevated access during an emergency is described as break-glass. This emergency access helps clinicians reach functions or patient data beyond their usual permissions when patient care requires it, but it is time-limited and fully auditable. The system prompts for a justification, defines the scope of access, and records who accessed what and why, maintaining accountability even in urgent moments. This is different from two-factor authentication, which is about adding a second verification step for identity, and from discharge planning/care plan or lab/test mapping, which are other workflow areas not related to emergency access. Break-glass is the term that specifically captures the need for a controlled, temporary override in emergencies.