Learn about the Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS), a program from the Medical Library Association recognizing your skills in finding and communicating health information to consumers.
About Consumer Health Information Specialization
CHIS stands for Consumer Health Information Specialization, a program provided by the Medical Library Association (MLA). The MLA Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) offers training in providing health information services to consumers and recognition for the accomplishment of acquiring new health information skills.
Why Get a CHIS?
Librarians know the life-saving and life-enhancing value of accurate evidence-based health information. By earning CHIS, you acquire skills and knowledge needed to become a confident, expert provider of health information to your community. Your CHIS shows employers, colleagues, and the public you serve that you are committed to offering quality consumer health information services and to staying current with developments in consumer health information resources, technologies, and services.
Read our article, "Impact of a consumer health information specialization (CHIS) sponsorship program on the ability of public library staff to provide consumer health information" (free, JMLA, July 2021), and discover the value of CHIS training in providing health information services.
CHIS Program Structure
Level 1
To qualify for CHIS Level 1, take any combination of courses or webinars that cover competencies 1-5. Once competencies 1-5 are covered, you can take any combination of webinars or courses from NNLM to reach 12 hours of CE.
- Know the Community
- Know the Health Consumer
- Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources
- Evaluation of Health Information
- Communication, Reference, and Instruction
Level 2
To earn Level 2 CHIS, you need an additional 12 CE hours worth of courses and webinars. Those 12 CE must cover core competencies 6-8:
- Literacy and Health Literacy
- Technology and Health
- Ethical and Legal Issues
You can read more descriptions of the competencies on MLA's CHIS page. Competencies are also listed on the individual NNLM class pages.
How to Earn CHIS Credits
We offer CHIS credit via live webinars, scheduled online classes, and on-demand online classes.
Upcoming Sessions
On-demand Classes
On-demand means you can complete the online class on your own time and at your own pace. On-demand classes are offered via the NNLM's Moodle learning management system.
NNLM Sponsorship and Application Fee
CHIS Application Fee
The CHIS application fee $99 and the specialization is valid for 3 years, at which point it must be renewed to remain valid.
NNLM Sponsorship
NNLM application fee sponsorships are available to residents of any NNLM region and U.S. citizens living outside the U.S.
NNLM sponsors the CHIS application fee for level 1 or level 2 for library workers, including renewals. Once you've completed the necessary coursework, fill out the sponsorship form.
Contacts
- For questions about NNLM CHIS classes, contact your Regional Medical Library.
- For questions about the CHIS application process and program, contact the MLA Professional Development department.