Which statement best describes cosigning in Epic?

Which statement best describes cosigning in Epic?

• A. The cosigning user attests but is not the author
• B. The cosigning user becomes the author
• C. The cosigning user has no role
• D. The author is always the nurse

Answer: (A)

In Epic, cosigning means a second clinician reviews and attests to the accuracy and completeness of a chart entry or order, without taking over authorship. The cosigner signs to verify the content, but the original author remains responsible for what was documented. This distinction is why the statement that the cosigning user attests but is not the author is correct. The cosigner’s role is to confirm and validate, not to rewrite or claim credit as the author. For example, a supervising physician may cosign a resident’s progress note to attest that it reflects the patient’s care, while the resident remains the author. The other options don’t fit because cosigning does involve an attestation role, it does not transfer authorship, and the author isn’t restricted to nurses—authors can be physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or other clinicians depending on the workflow.

In Epic, cosigning means a second clinician reviews and attests to the accuracy and completeness of a chart entry or order, without taking over authorship. The cosigner signs to verify the content, but the original author remains responsible for what was documented. This distinction is why the statement that the cosigning user attests but is not the author is correct. The cosigner’s role is to confirm and validate, not to rewrite or claim credit as the author. For example, a supervising physician may cosign a resident’s progress note to attest that it reflects the patient’s care, while the resident remains the author. The other options don’t fit because cosigning does involve an attestation role, it does not transfer authorship, and the author isn’t restricted to nurses—authors can be physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or other clinicians depending on the workflow.