Michigan Fidelity Assistance Support Team (MIFAST)

Michigan Fidelity Assistance Support Team (MIFAST)

Overall Purpose of MIFAST:

The overall purpose of the Michigan Fidelity Assistance Support Team (MIFAST) is to provide technical assistance in moving the publicly funded behavioral health system forward in ascertaining the degree to which an evidence based program has been implemented and is functioning for both fidelity and efficacy. The focus is on providing peer-lead technical assistance as opposed to a formal site visit or audit. Generally, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) staff are not members of the MIFAST visit.

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.

MIFAST visits are conducted every one to three years depending on available capacity, number of projects within each evidence-based program, and number of MIFAST teams available. Prioritization may occur where exemplary reviews may result in a re-visit in three years and poor reviews may result in a re-visit in one year.

Current MIFASTs:

To date, the MIFAST process has been predominately implemented as part of adult mental health block grant providers although there have been recent efforts to expand this process to substance abuse funded efforts as well. There are currently MIFAST teams available for the following evidence-based programs:

• 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)

• Family Psycho-education (FPE)

• Trauma

If an agency is interested in requesting a MIFAST visit, please email MDHHS-MIFAST@michigan.gov  

Michigan Fidelity Assistance Support Team (MIFAST) and

Relationship to the Medicaid Provider Manual

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 for additional information.