MIFAST

In Michigan, MIFAST visits provide technical assistance in moving the publicly funded behavioral health system toward ever improving practice implementation and greater fidelity to individual evidenced-based practice models. The focus is on peer led technical assistance teams as opposed to a formal site visit or audit. Generally, Michigan Department of health and Human services (MDHHS) staff are not members of a MIFAST review team.

As the result of a MIFAST visit, agencies/teams will be provided an outside perspective of how their evidence-based program is being implemented, and where internal focus can be prioritized for moving forward. In addition, cumulative information from visits provide a way for the state to see where needs may be in terms of support for improving practices and providing technical assistance across the system. Post-visit technical assistance, materials, training or further development, consultation, or coaching depending on needs identified during the visit itself will be offered and provided by either the MIFAST lead or MDHHS staff.

Although the process of requesting and completing a Michigan Fidelity Assistance Support Team (MIFAST) review is voluntary, it may be required prior to the use of a Medicaid code or modifier for a specific evidence-based program. As needed, these visits may be prior to implementation for the use of certain Medicaid codes or modifiers, and MIFAST re-reviews annually or every two-to-three years as required for continued use. Agencies should refer to their MDHHS contract and the Michigan Medicaid Provider Manual for Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports and Services.

MIFAST visits are intended to occur with a one to three frequency and are prioritized depending on available capacity, number of projects within each evidence-based program, and number of MIFAST teams available. Additionally, further prioritization may occur where exemplary practice reviews result in delayed re-visits and practice reviews indicating low implementation may result in more frequent visits.

Currently MIFAST visits occur within the following practices:

• Supported Employment/Individual Placement and Supports (IPS)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT)
• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
• Dual ACT/IDDT Teams
• Dual Diagnosis Capability (DDCAT/DDCMHT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET)
• Behavior Supports (Adult focus)
• Family Psycho-education (FPE)
• Trauma

For additional information, please contact the MIFAST mailbox at MDHHS-MIFAST@michigan.gov