Expanding the health information management public health role.

The health information management (HIM) professional is strategically placed to manage information within the public health arena. As managers of information flow, HIM professionals utilize increasing levels of technology to link clinical settings, public health departments, research institutions, and consumers with health information. However, as technology increases the amount and accessibility of health information, HIM professionals must expand their role as information managers within the public health field. This article discusses HIM professionals’ role in public health research and data management, policy development, and disaster preparedness and response management.