Consumer Health Information Specialization

The MLA Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) offers training in providing health information services to consumers and recognition for the accomplishment of acquiring targeted health information skills.  By earning your CHIS, you acquire skills and knowledge needed to become a confident, expert provider of health information to your community.

Overview

Librarians and other information and health professionals know the life-saving and life-enhancing value of accurate health information. This specialization is designed for

  • Medical librarians
  • Public librarians
  • Librarians working in consumer health libraries
  • Allied health professionals
  • Information professionals
  • Anyone who cares about providing accurate and useful health information to the public

By earning your CHIS, you acquire skills and knowledge needed to:

  • become a confident, expert provider of health information to your community;
  • show to employers, colleagues and the public your commitment to offering quality consumer health information services; and
  • pledge your assurance to staying current with developments in consumer health information resources, technologies, and services

Over 1,300 librarians, health and information professionals, and others have earned their CHIS!


View Current CHIS Recipients
profile photo Sydni L Abrahamsen (CHIS II, 2019-08-01 - 2028-09-15)
profile photo Danica Acedillo (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2026-04-30)
profile photo Julimari Acevedo (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Cara Adams (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Janet Anderson (CHIS I, 2026-03-05 - 2029-03-04)
profile photo Eileen M Anderson (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Margaret Ansell (CHIS II, 2021-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Sarah Elizabeth Aucoin (CHIS II, 2019-06-01 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Maria Avery (CHIS II, 2025-09-03 - 2028-09-02)
profile photo Erin Ayad (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Eva Ball (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Katie Ball (CHIS II, 2020-01-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Ilene Baltierra (CHIS I, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Alecia Barbour (CHIS II, 2025-12-05 - 2028-12-04)
profile photo Danielle Barham (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Carolie Bartolomucci (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Megan M. Bell (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-26)
profile photo Michele Benitez (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Nicole Bentinganan (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Daniel Berube (CHIS I, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
profile photo Sandy Biewer (CHIS I, 2026-02-06 - 2029-02-05)
profile photo Lillian Blackmon (CHIS II, 2025-03-27 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Emily Blackwell (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Kathleen A. Bloomingdale (CHIS II, 2021-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Madge Boldt (CHIS I, 2025-08-20 - 2028-08-19)
profile photo Jacob Booth (CHIS I, 2026-03-06 - 2029-03-05)
profile photo Allison E. Boyrer (CHIS I, 2026-03-25 - 2029-03-24)
profile photo Victoria Braidotti (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Cibon Elizabeth Brisas (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Roslyn Broch (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Ashley Nicole Brock (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2029-01-19)
profile photo Lilia Brock (CHIS I, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
profile photo Carole L Brown (CHIS II, 2019-03-01 - 2028-03-21)
profile photo Lacey Brown (CHIS II, 2023-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Karen Bueker (CHIS II, 2022-09-01 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Gayla Faye Bunn (CHIS II, 2023-06-01 - 2029-05-31)
profile photo Michelle Burchfield (CHIS II, 2025-09-24 - 2028-09-23)
profile photo Robin Linee Burgin (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Kimberlee Byrge (CHIS I, 2023-05-01 - 2026-04-30)
profile photo Deirdre Caparoso (CHIS I, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Amy Mikala Castro (CHIS II, 2019-10-01 - 2028-12-16)
profile photo Vana chalian (CHIS II, 2025-11-25 - 2028-11-25)
profile photo Janet Chan (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Amy Christake (CHIS I, 2019-12-01 - 2028-02-26)
profile photo Kathleen Christy (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Josh Clemens (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Kelly Clever (CHIS II, 2021-12-01 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Red Coffey (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Amy Corbitt (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Claire Cornelius (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Nicole Covone (CHIS II, 2022-01-01 - 2028-10-30)
profile photo Daniel Craver (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Jeannine Creazzo (CHIS II, 2025-12-02 - 2028-12-01)
profile photo Erin Crockett (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-26)
profile photo Eugenia Cruse (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Madison Cyrus (CHIS I, 2026-01-12 - 2029-01-12)
profile photo Jill Daby (CHIS II, 2021-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Taylor Dahlinghaus (CHIS II, 2025-03-27 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Jessica Taylor Daly (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Jennifer Danzo (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Amanda Datesman (CHIS I, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Kyairla Davis (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Melissa Dawes Gregory (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Pedro-Antonio Del-Valle-López (CHIS II, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Kate Delaney (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Diane DeLuco (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Kerry Dennigan (CHIS II, 2019-07-01 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Robyn DeRocchis (CHIS II, 2021-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Melissa DeSantis (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Joyce DeStasio (CHIS I, 2022-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
profile photo Niki DiCola (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Deborah Diana Divis (CHIS II, 2020-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
profile photo David Charles Duggar (CHIS I, 2018-06-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Cassandra Dulek (CHIS I, 2026-02-06 - 2029-02-05)
profile photo April Rayne Duncan (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Dorothy Durband (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Carole Ann Durst (CHIS II, 2022-05-01 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Daphne Dykes (CHIS II, 2020-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Christopher Eaton (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Maritza Egoavil (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Katie Ann Eidem (CHIS I, 2026-02-06 - 2029-02-05)
profile photo Michael Ellis (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Mary Catherine Ellis (CHIS II, 2022-03-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Sandra Erickson (CHIS II, 2020-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Heather Ervin (CHIS II, 2022-11-01 - 2028-10-20)
profile photo Julia Esparza (CHIS II, 2022-05-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Shannon Evans (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Francisco Fajardo (CHIS II, 2021-03-01 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Kristina Fallon Tomaino (CHIS I, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Karen Favela (CHIS I, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Jennifer Feldman (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Lauri Fennell (CHIS I, 2026-01-22 - 2029-01-21)
profile photo Sigriet Ferrer (CHIS II, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Sarah Fischer (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Jennifer Fiterre (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Sheena Fobare (CHIS I, 2025-12-19 - 2028-12-18)
profile photo Carrie Forbes (CHIS I, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Jordan Ford (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Jody Ford (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2026-04-30)
profile photo Afton Forred (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Ellen M. Franks (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2027-10-31)
profile photo Stefani Gafford (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Meave Erin Kasparian Gallagher (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Kathy Gammon (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Aydin Garvin (CHIS I, 2025-03-28 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Raida Gatten (CHIS I, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-14)
profile photo Alysia Gilman (CHIS II, 2025-12-17 - 2028-12-16)
profile photo Jeffrey Gluckman (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Kelly Gonzalez (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Samantha Gonzalez (CHIS II, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Kelsey Grabeel (CHIS II, 2021-09-01 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Ellie Gradert (CHIS I, 2026-03-20 - 2029-03-19)
profile photo Erin Gray (CHIS I, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Deborah Grayovski (CHIS II, 2019-05-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Dana Grey (CHIS I, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Emily Griffey (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Judith Marie Griggs (CHIS II, 2022-02-01 - 2028-11-24)
profile photo Michael Grimsley (CHIS II, 2026-02-25 - 2029-02-24)
profile photo Maggie Hairabedian (CHIS II, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Brittany L. Haliani (CHIS II, 2020-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
profile photo Amber Lee Hall (CHIS II, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Robert David Hamaker (CHIS I, 2025-12-18 - 2028-12-17)
profile photo Rachel Hamilton (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Tyler Hamilton (CHIS II, 2026-03-30 - 2029-03-29)
profile photo Grace Hammond (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo MARLENA HAROLD (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Janet Harper (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Michelle L Harrell (CHIS I, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Ann Harris (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
profile photo Kelly Harris (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Clyden Harris (CHIS I, 2026-02-22 - 2029-02-21)
profile photo Kristen Hasner (CHIS I, 2026-02-05 - 2029-02-04)
profile photo Madison Hana Hastings (CHIS I, 2025-09-02 - 2028-09-01)
profile photo Allison Hatch (CHIS II, 2023-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
profile photo Mary Katherine Haver (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Jill Renee Hecker Fernandes (CHIS II, 2020-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
profile photo Conan Helein (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Nanci Helmle (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Cindy Heltne (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Shruthi Hemasundar (CHIS II, 2025-03-28 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Stacey R Hendren (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Mary Hendricks-Hines (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Jose Hernandez (CHIS I, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Patricia E Hill (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Monica Elexia Hodge (CHIS I, 2025-12-15 - 2028-12-15)
profile photo Katie Hollandsworth (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Melissa Hood (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Megan Hopkins (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Teresa Horton (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Julie Howe (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-26)
profile photo Jayme Hughes-Gartin (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Meghan Hunt (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Annisija Hunter (CHIS II, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
profile photo Samantha Hurst (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Clarissa Ihssen (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Sonnet Ireland (CHIS II, 2020-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Elizabeth Irish (CHIS II, 2020-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Jarrod Irwin (CHIS II, 2021-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Shelley Ivary (CHIS I, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
profile photo Sabrina Jackson (CHIS II, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
profile photo Candace James (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Rachel M. Jamieson (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Andrea Jensen (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
profile photo joleen jin (CHIS I, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Bridget Jivanelli (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Jean E Johnson (CHIS II, 2021-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Dorcus La Verne Johnson (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Sherry Johnson (CHIS I, 2022-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
profile photo Jean Jolly (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Collin Jones (CHIS I, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
profile photo Trudy Jorgensen-Price (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Claire Joseph (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Alexis Karas (CHIS I, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Arti Katoch (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Emi Kawasaki (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Brandon Kennedy (CHIS II, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Morgan Kentsbeer (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Andrea C. Kepsel (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
profile photo Holland Kessinger (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Megan Khamphavong (CHIS II, 2023-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
profile photo Kathryn Kidd (CHIS I, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Alexis Kiil (CHIS I, 2025-09-05 - 2028-09-04)
profile photo Young Min Kim (CHIS I, 2025-03-28 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Eden Kinzel (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Suzanne M. Klein (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
profile photo Karina Kletscher (CHIS I, 2026-02-13 - 2029-02-12)
profile photo Stephen Kohr (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Kathleen Konno (CHIS I, 2023-05-01 - 2026-04-30)
profile photo Malana Krongelb (CHIS I, 2025-12-04 - 2028-12-03)
profile photo Rachel Kuehl (CHIS II, 2022-02-01 - 2029-01-14)
profile photo Michael Labrecque (CHIS II, 2022-09-01 - 2028-08-10)
profile photo Carey Lai (CHIS I, 2025-08-26 - 2028-08-25)
profile photo Autumn Landon (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Katie LaSalle (CHIS II, 2021-12-01 - 2027-01-31)
profile photo Rachael Lebo (CHIS II, 2025-12-05 - 2028-12-04)
profile photo Jesse Leraas (CHIS I, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Marjorie Leta (CHIS II, 2020-04-01 - 2029-03-31)
profile photo Jessica Lichota (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Shuyi Liu (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Debra Lynn Loguda-Summers (CHIS II, 2020-03-01 - 2029-02-28)
profile photo Stella Lundin (CHIS I, 2021-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Linda Maddux (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Ruby Maghoney (CHIS I, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-14)
profile photo Ruth Mahaffy (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2028-08-26)
profile photo Jennifer Markus (CHIS II, 2022-11-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Laura Marone (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Sam Marsh (CHIS I, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Carolyn Martin (CHIS II, 2023-01-01 - 2028-12-31)
profile photo Sara Martini (CHIS I, 2025-12-19 - 2028-12-18)
profile photo Allison P. Matthews (CHIS II, 2020-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Cynthia Matthews (CHIS II, 2023-04-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Paula McCahon (CHIS II, 2022-06-01 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Brian Scott McFerron (CHIS II, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Jacqueline McGuire (CHIS II, 2022-02-28 - 2028-05-27)
profile photo Kevin Timothy McLaughlin (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Caitlin McMullen (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Dara C Medes (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Heather L Medes (CHIS II, 2021-02-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Kellie Meehlhause (CHIS I, 2024-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
profile photo Liana Meeker (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Nicole Mehall (CHIS I, 2025-11-13 - 2028-11-12)
profile photo Mary Elizabeth Melvin (CHIS II, 2021-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Melissa L Mendelson (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Courtney Mercurio (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Nikki Merkt (CHIS I, 2026-01-20 - 2029-01-19)
profile photo Talie Meza (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Stephanie Michaels (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Carlye Mihailovich (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Jennifer Miller (CHIS I, 2019-08-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Dennis G. Miller (CHIS II, 2025-10-21 - 2028-10-20)
profile photo Missina Minter (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Sarah Beth Minton (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Jennifer Anne Miranda (CHIS I, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-15)
profile photo Angela Mitchell (CHIS II, 2026-01-03 - 2029-01-02)
profile photo Heather K. Moberly (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Stephanie Molnar (CHIS II, 2020-04-01 - 2028-10-31)
profile photo Celeste M Moore (CHIS II, 2019-06-01 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Cyndy Lynn Moore (CHIS II, 2025-12-17 - 2028-12-16)
profile photo Meghan Moran (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2026-04-30)
profile photo Heidi Jean Mortensen-Torres (CHIS II, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
profile photo Diane Moskal (CHIS II, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-14)
profile photo Thomasina Muckenfuss (CHIS II, 2025-08-01 - 2028-07-31)
profile photo Sarah Muller (CHIS I, 2025-08-11 - 2028-08-10)
profile photo Leah Murdock (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Jennifer L Muse (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Heidi Mussachio (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Sophie Sophie Nachman (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Mario Najera (CHIS II, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Alanna Natanson (CHIS I, 2023-01-01 - 2028-12-31)
profile photo Tre Ranier Neal (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Heather Newlin (CHIS II, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
profile photo Zuhair Niazi (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo India-Bleu Niehoff (CHIS I, 2025-12-04 - 2028-12-03)
profile photo Michelle Nielsen Ott (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2029-01-31)
profile photo Bijan Lee Nowroozian (CHIS I, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Karen Noyes (CHIS II, 2022-08-01 - 2028-07-16)
profile photo Samantha Nunn (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Faith Nwosu (CHIS I, 2025-09-02 - 2028-09-01)
profile photo Caitlin Oglesbee (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Jacqueline B. Oluwole (CHIS I, 2025-08-28 - 2028-08-27)
profile photo Elizabeth H Ortiz (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Joy OToole (CHIS I, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Briana Lynn Pagdon (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Rachel Palmieri (CHIS I, 2026-03-09 - 2029-03-08)
profile photo Donald Pearson (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2026-04-30)
profile photo Penny Perales (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Jorge E. Perez (CHIS II, 2022-01-01 - 2029-01-06)
profile photo Marta Petermann (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Kristine A Petre (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Suzanne Petrofsky (CHIS II, 2025-10-21 - 2029-01-20)
profile photo Katy Philby (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Courtney Pickus (CHIS II, 2025-12-09 - 2028-12-08)
profile photo Mary Powell (CHIS I, 2026-02-09 - 2029-02-08)
profile photo Valerie G Prilop (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2029-04-30)
profile photo Nancy Anne Pugh (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Abagail Pujol (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Courtney Pyche (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Amy Pyle (CHIS II, 2020-05-01 - 2029-04-30)
profile photo Alexandra Quintero Deleon (CHIS II, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Jacob Rachwal (CHIS I, 2021-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Patricia O Rann (CHIS I, 2020-07-01 - 2028-12-18)
profile photo Amanda Rawls (CHIS II, 2022-09-01 - 2028-11-22)
profile photo Josie Amalia Razo (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Karen Reed (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2029-02-12)
profile photo Cynthia Reynolds (CHIS II, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
profile photo Claire Rhode (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Sara Richards (CHIS II, 2024-02-01 - 2029-02-11)
profile photo Jennifer Robertson (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Cayla Robinson (CHIS I, 2025-12-05 - 2028-12-04)
profile photo Gianina Rockwell (CHIS II, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Pamela M Rose (CHIS II, 2019-12-01 - 2028-11-30)
profile photo Mindy Rose (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Alice Pollard Roth (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Katherine Roush (CHIS II, 2022-11-01 - 2028-10-31)
profile photo Shannon Roussy-Sanchez (CHIS I, 2025-09-02 - 2028-09-01)
profile photo Brandon Rouzaud (CHIS II, 2025-03-27 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Chelsea Rowley (CHIS I, 2025-11-21 - 2028-11-20)
profile photo Tatjana Saccio (CHIS II, 2020-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Aster Thomas Sajko (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Carleton DeWitt Salley (CHIS I, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-25)
profile photo Amber Salmon (CHIS II, 2021-07-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Riley J. Samuelson (CHIS I, 2020-10-01 - 2026-09-30)
profile photo Elina Saroka (CHIS II, 2022-07-01 - 2028-03-28)
profile photo Evan Sawires (CHIS I, 2023-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Savannah Schnoebelen (CHIS II, 2023-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Anna Schurk (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Brianna Scott (CHIS I, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Courtney Seale (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Lauren Seegmiller (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo MENETE Ndapandula SHATONA (CHIS I, 2023-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Lori Shemanski (CHIS I, 2021-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Denise Shereff (CHIS II, 2021-11-01 - 2027-10-31)
profile photo John Siegel (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Jillian Silverberg (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-08-27)
profile photo Dana Simonton (CHIS II, 2025-08-13 - 2028-08-12)
profile photo Barbara N Slover (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Willis Crawford Smith (CHIS II, 2026-02-27 - 2029-02-26)
profile photo Katherine L. Smith (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Amanda Smolenski (CHIS II, 2020-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Anne L Snieg (CHIS I, 2023-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Rekesha Spellman (CHIS II, 2020-12-01 - 2026-11-30)
profile photo Beth Staats (CHIS I, 2026-01-15 - 2029-01-14)
profile photo Eric Anthony Stanton (CHIS II, 2021-03-01 - 2026-09-30)
profile photo Shawn Steidinger (CHIS I, 2024-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
profile photo Christina Stevenson (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Kaitlynn Stinson (CHIS I, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Amy Stitely (CHIS I, 2025-12-10 - 2028-12-09)
profile photo Christina Stitt (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo George G Strawley (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Sherry Styles (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Wendy Sykes (CHIS I, 2026-03-06 - 2029-03-05)
profile photo Jessica Nicole Szempruch (CHIS II, 2023-09-01 - 2028-08-26)
profile photo Jennifer Tetefsky (CHIS II, 2025-12-10 - 2028-12-09)
profile photo Lycett Thiel (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2028-08-05)
profile photo Trina Thomas (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Abby Thorne (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Kaitlin Tiches (CHIS II, 2025-12-04 - 2028-12-03)
profile photo Kristi Torp (CHIS II, 2022-08-01 - 2028-10-20)
profile photo Olivia TSISTINAS (CHIS II, 2024-02-01 - 2027-01-31)
profile photo Angela Faye Tucker (CHIS II, 2019-09-01 - 2028-11-24)
profile photo Christina Turiano-Sander (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Keana Ryel Tutanes (CHIS II, 2024-04-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Jessi Van Der Volgen (CHIS II, 2023-04-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Kaitlyn Van Kampen (CHIS II, 2023-11-01 - 2026-10-31)
profile photo Erin Varney (CHIS II, 2026-01-05 - 2029-01-04)
profile photo Nadia Vatamanu (CHIS II, 2025-02-26 - 2028-02-26)
profile photo Anne Verdon (CHIS II, 2025-05-22 - 2029-03-26)
profile photo Lisa Viezbicke (CHIS I, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Sarah Villere (CHIS II, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Sarah Viscuso (CHIS I, 2025-12-09 - 2028-12-08)
profile photo Nicole Vollum (CHIS I, 2024-04-01 - 2027-03-31)
profile photo Melissa Wagner (CHIS II, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Rachel Walfoort (CHIS I, 2024-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Sarah L Walizer (CHIS I, 2025-05-22 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Kathleen Walker (CHIS II, 2021-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Evelyn Yayi Wang (CHIS II, 2024-05-01 - 2027-04-30)
profile photo Dan Watkins (CHIS II, 2021-01-01 - 2026-12-31)
profile photo Peg Watson (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Lauren Webster (CHIS I, 2020-09-01 - 2028-02-26)
profile photo Kim Weir (CHIS I, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Shanel Wermerskirchen (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Lauren West (CHIS I, 2025-12-18 - 2028-12-17)
profile photo Karen Whitestone (CHIS II, 2024-06-01 - 2027-05-31)
profile photo Gregg Whitmore (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Jamia Williams (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Riley Williams (CHIS II, 2025-08-07 - 2028-08-06)
profile photo Alexandria Q Wilson (CHIS I, 2023-04-01 - 2029-03-31)
profile photo Leighann Wilson (CHIS II, 2020-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Sara S Winger (CHIS II, 2025-12-17 - 2029-01-18)
profile photo Durrett Winter (CHIS II, 2024-03-01 - 2028-05-21)
profile photo Rhonda Wiseman (CHIS I, 2026-02-05 - 2029-02-04)
profile photo Christina L. Wissinger (CHIS I, 2024-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Kristine M Woods (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-08-31)
profile photo Kate Woodworth (CHIS I, 2023-08-01 - 2026-07-31)
profile photo Laura Woody (CHIS I, 2023-06-01 - 2026-05-31)
profile photo Catherine Worthington (CHIS I, 2025-12-17 - 2028-12-16)
profile photo Kris Young (CHIS II, 2019-06-01 - 2028-08-05)
profile photo Alyson Young (CHIS II, 2026-02-13 - 2029-02-12)
profile photo Rebeccah Yterdal (CHIS I, 2023-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Alessia Zanin-Yost (CHIS II, 2021-03-01 - 2027-02-28)
profile photo Jared Zentz (CHIS II, 2023-01-01 - 2028-12-31)
profile photo Emily Zerrenner (CHIS I, 2023-07-01 - 2026-06-30)
profile photo Chris Zobin (CHIS I, 2025-12-08 - 2028-12-07)
profile photo Lauren Zollinger (CHIS II, 2020-09-01 - 2026-05-31)

Articles About the Value of CHIS

Requirements to Earn Your CHIS

CHIS is organized around eight Core Competencies for Providing Consumer Health Information Services and two levels of accomplishment. Competencies are from Finding Health and Wellness @ the Library: A Consumer Health Toolkit for Library Staff, 2nd Edition. Updated March 2018. Course catalogs for each level of CHIS are coded by competency area.

CHIS Core Competencies

  1. Know the Community (CHIS-S1)
    • Know the characteristics of the community served by the library, including demographics, special populations, health status indicators, and needs of community members.
    • Understand that beliefs, customs, and values of different cultures can influence thoughts and actions around health, illness, and health care decisions.
    • Be respectful and responsive to all user groups. Practice cultural humility through self-reflection and awareness that one’s own beliefs and experiences can impact interactions with others; be open to learning about the experiences and cultural identity of others as a lifelong endeavor.
    • Understand health inequities and social determinants of health, including access to digital health information.
    • Know how to locate potential partners for collaborations in providing health information.
  2. Know the Health Consumer (CHIS-S2)
    • Understand the principles and practices related to providing appropriate, relevant information services to meet the needs of different types of users, including patients, caregivers, educators, students, and health practitioners.
    • Understand and respond to the issues and barriers faced by health information seekers.
    • Understand how people find and access health information, including technology and access barriers.
  3. Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources (CHIS-S3)
    • Possess solid knowledge of specific print and web-based resources for general and specialized health topics and of resources for specific population groups or for users with special needs.
    • Know how to locate local and regional resources.
  4. Evaluation of Health Information (CHIS-S4)
    • Understand the principles of evaluating consumer health information for quality.
    • Apply quality criteria when selecting items for the print or electronic collection.
    • Choose appropriate resources for individual patrons. Provide patrons with evaluation criteria and guidance for finding appropriate health materials.
    • Evaluate and critically assess new and emerging sources of information and instruct patrons on effective evaluation techniques and proper use of resources.
  5. Communication, Reference, and Instruction (CHIS-S5)
    • Know and apply effective communication techniques; understand and apply the additional components of health reference interviewing.
    • Recognize and take advantage of teachable moments with patrons to expand information literacy.
  6. Literacy and Health Literacy (CHIS-S6)
    • Understand the related issues of literacy and health literacy and the principles and practices of serving users with low literacy or low health literacy.
    • Evaluate the readability of health resources to determine their suitability for various audiences.
    • Recognize and identify signs of low health literacy in patrons and understand how it can affect individuals across all education and socioeconomic levels.
    • Identify the relationships between digital literacy, health literacy, and health equity.
  7. Technology and Health (CHIS-S7)
    • Analyze emerging technology trends in health-related social networking, Artificial Intelligence (AI), health apps, genetic testing, and future developments in order to understand their potential impact on health information practices.
    • Assess and bridge digital literacy gaps by evaluating patrons’ ability to access, navigate, and understand digital health information and develop targeted strategies to enhance their skills in using online health resources and making informed health decisions.
  8. Ethical and Legal Issues (CHIS-S8)
    • Understand ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical information, including the use of discretion and the patron’s need and right to privacy.
    • Apply the library’s policies regarding the use of disclaimers when providing medical information.
    • Understand the limitations of the librarian’s role, and always recommend that the user discuss the information received with a health professional.
    • Distinguish between providing health information and offering health advice or recommendations.
    • Demonstrate a foundational understanding of HIPAA regulations and apply this knowledge when providing health information.

CHIS Levels I and II

Experts in providing consumer health information created two levels of CHIS. Level I requires courses in five foundational competencies. While you may take courses in other competencies, you will gain skills in the basics when you earn Level I. Level II requires you to take courses in three additional competencies. While you may take courses in other competencies, you will gain skills in higher level competencies when you earn Level II. Click on links next to each competency to find courses that serve the competency.

CHIS Level I

Your Level I CHIS shows that you have skills in these 5 Core Competencies for Providing Consumer Health Information Services (you meet the requirements for Level I by completing 12 credit hours in these five competencies):

  1. Know the Community (CHIS-S1)
  2. Know the Health Consumer (CHIS-S2)
  3. Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources (CHIS-S3)
  4. Evaluation of Health Information (CHIS-S4)
  5. Communication, Reference, and Instruction (CHIS-S5)

CHIS Level II

Your Level II CHIS shows that you have skills in all 8 Core Competencies for Providing Consumer Health Information Services. You meet the requirements for Level II by completing 12 additional credit hours that include at least one credit in each of competencies 6, 7, and 8:

  1. Know the Community (CHIS-S1)
  2. Know the Health Consumer (CHIS-S2)
  3. Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources (CHIS-S3)
  4. Evaluation of Health Information (CHIS-S4)
  5. Communication, Reference, and Instruction (CHIS-S5)
  6. Literacy and Health Literacy (CHIS-S6)
  7. Technology and Health (CHIS-S7)
  8. Ethical and Legal Issues (CHIS-S8)

Note: If your first application is for Level II, you will need 24 CE credits, with at least 1 credit in all 8 competencies.

CE Credit and Competency Requirements

  • You may apply for either level if you have met the corresponding credits and competencies requirements.
  • Credits must be earned within 3 years before your application date.
  • Your CHIS certificate will be valid for 3 years.
  • To renew your certificate at either level, you must earn 6 credits every 3 years, covering any of the competencies.
  • We recommend that individuals with a Level I CHIS take Level II courses and use their 3 years to acquire their Level II CHIS.

CHIS Courses

Level I and Level II CHIS courses have been developed and selected for the MLA Consumer Health Information Specialization

Credit for Activities Not Pre-Approved for CHIS

If you complete an educational activity, a Discussion Group activity, Independent Reading Program activity, webinar, or other activity not on the list of MLA-approved consumer health courses and would like to have it considered for meeting a CHIS requirement, please fill out an Individual Participant Request (IPR) form. We recommend you submit the IPR in advance of your application so you can take replacement coursework if the course is found ineligible.

What is the Cost of CHIS?

Most CHIS courses are offered by the Network of of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) at no cost. It is easy to meet the requirements for both levels with NNLM courses. MLA charges a modest fee (members: $99, non-members: $132) for reviewing applications and granting certificates. NNLM generously sponsors the CHIS application fee for library staff and students who reside within any region of the NNLM. Use this Google form to apply to have NNLM cover your application fee.

Applying for or Renewing Your CHIS

  • Take the required number of MLA-approved consumer health courses for the level for which you are applying.
  • Check your transcript to ensure you have met all the competencies for your application level.
  • You will only need certificates of completion if courses do not appear as completed in your transcript

MLA will process your application and, on approval, send you a certificate recognizing your accomplishment.