Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) Plan December 2021

Posted by Bobbi Newman on December 9th, 2021 Posted in: Consumer Health, Public Libraries
Tags: CHIS, Consumer Health, Consumer Health Information Specialization, public libraries

We have put together a new action plan to help you earn your CHIS in a timely fashion. We appreciate your patience as we ramped up our new five-year performance person. We have a plan in place coming in Year Two that will make acquiring your CHIS faster and easier. In the meantime, we have put together an interim guide. The guide includes class titles with the CHIS competencies, links to recordings, and instructions on claiming your CE.

You can download the PDF here.

What is CHIS?

CHIS stands for Consumer Health Information Specialization, a program by the Medical Library Association (MLA). CHIS is recognition for the accomplishment of acquiring new health information skills through training about providing health information services to consumers. NNLM provides free, online training in support of CHIS.

Why Get a CHIS?

Library workers know the value of accurate information. Enhance and expand your skills with evidence-based knowledge and resources that will make you a confident, expert provider of health information to your community. CHIS shows employers, colleagues, and the public that you are committed to offering quality consumer health information services, and to staying current with consumer health information resources, technologies, and services.

How to Earn CHIS credits

Level 1

12 hours of approved continuing education, must cover CHIS 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

12 additional hours of continuing education, cannot be classes you took to earn Level 1, must cover competencies 6-8

6. Literacy and Health Literacy

7. Technology and Health

8. Ethical and Legal Issues

To Earn CHIS Level One or Two

Take any combination of the classes below to cover the competencies required. Take the remaining number of CE hours you need either from the courses in any list below.

ABOUT Bobbi Newman
Bobbi Newman (MLIS, MA) is the Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist for NNLM R6 at the University of Iowa. She is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Guide for Libraries. She developed the popular NNLM course “Wellness in the Library Workplace.” Bobbi is a mindfulness student and a member of Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). She currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Let’s Move in Libraries. She divides her time between her dog, reading fantasy and nonfiction, playing video games, crafting, kayaking, biking, and gardening.

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