Obtain a Specialization

CHIS is an acronym 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.

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.

Level 1

In order to earn CHIS you will need to complete 12 CE hours worth of courses and webinars and those 12 CE must cover core competencies 1-5

1. Know the Community
2. Know the Health Consumer
3. Knowledge of Subject Matter and Existing Resources
4. Health Information Evaluation
5. Communication and Instruction

Level 2

To earn level 2 CHIS you need 12 CE hours worth of courses and webinars and those 12 CE must cover core competencies 6-8.

6. Literacy and Health Literacy

7. Technology and Health
8. Ethical and Legal Issues

You can see a grid of classes and their competencies on the MLA website.

Explore our options to complete your CHIS in 3 months. We offer training via live webinars, on-demand classes, online classes and recorded videos. Our CHIS Learning Plan outlines current and upcoming CHIS classes and is updated every 3 months.
CHIS Learning Plan April-May 2021 PDF (opens in new window.)

The CHIS application fee $75 and the specialization is valid for 3 years, at which point it must be renewed. 

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 this form.

1. NNLM CHIS classes: Contact your regional medical library.
2. CHIS application process and program: Contact the MLA CHIS coordinator.