Health informatics needs regulation and registration to add value recognition

Education is only one step towards being recognised as 'fit' to carry out an operational role in informatics to support health at any level. For many years there has been little real 'brand image'. Although significant bodies like IMIA and the BCS welcome a wide range of professionals, there is still confusion over what the discipline really means and does. In order to become a mature profession in the health domain, particularly in the UK, it is necessary to operate a registration process that recognises both qualification and competency, and the responsibility to keep skills and knowledge contemporary. This paper describes the steps taken to establish a registration and regulatory body to maintain high quality professionalism in operational care delivery, academic and commercial organisations in the health domain. The concepts described have resonance internationally.