A network of MDHHS-certified providers in rural, urban, and native communities in Michigan provides MIHP services. MIHP providers include private practices, community-based organizations, hospitals, home health agencies, hospital-based clinics, federally qualified health centers, tribal agencies, and local public health departments.
Implementing Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP)
Implementation last updated: 2019
The information in this profile reflects feedback, if provided, from this model’s developer as of the above date. The description of the implementation of the model(s) here may differ from how the model(s) was implemented in the research reviewed to determine this model’s evidence of effectiveness. Inclusion in the implementation report does not mean the practices described meet the HHS criteria for evidence of effectiveness. Similarly, models described here may not all have impact studies, and those with impact studies may vary in their effectiveness. Please see the Effectiveness button on the left for more information about research on the effectiveness of the models discussed here.
Prerequisites for implementation
Staffing requirements
The MIHP team is composed of a registered nurse and licensed social worker. MIHP providers must also employ or have a network of infant mental health specialists, board-certified lactation consultants, or registered dietitians to whom they can refer families, as needed.
An MIHP program coordinator oversees each provider’s MIHP program. MDHHS does not have supervision requirements for MIHP programs.
Staff education and experience
Nurses must be licensed as registered nurses and have at least one year of experience providing community health, pediatric, maternal, or infant nursing services. Social workers must be licensed and have at least one year of experience providing social services to families.
Infant mental health specialists must have (1) a current license as a psychologist, master social worker, or professional counselor; (2) an Infant Mental Health Endorsement and demonstrated competency at the Infant Mental Health Specialist level; and (3) at least one year of experience in an infant health program.
Lactation consultants must have a current license as a registered nurse or social worker, credentials from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, and a valid and current International Board Certified Lactation Consultant certification.
Dietitians must have (1) a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis on nutrition, or a master’s degree in human nutrition, or (2) a bachelor’s degree and registration as a dietitian (RD), or a bachelor’s degree and RD-eligible with examination pending in six months or less, and (3) at least one year of experience providing community health, pediatric, maternal, or infant nutrition services.
Infant mental health specialists must have (1) a current license as a psychologist, master social worker, or professional counselor; (2) an Infant Mental Health Endorsement and demonstrated competency at the Infant Mental Health Specialist level; and (3) at least one year of experience in an infant health program.
Lactation consultants must have a current license as a registered nurse or social worker, credentials from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, and a valid and current International Board Certified Lactation Consultant certification.
Dietitians must have (1) a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis on nutrition, or a master’s degree in human nutrition, or (2) a bachelor’s degree and registration as a dietitian (RD), or a bachelor’s degree and RD-eligible with examination pending in six months or less, and (3) at least one year of experience providing community health, pediatric, maternal, or infant nutrition services.
Supervision requirements
Each MIHP provider independently determines the level of administrative, clinical, and supportive supervision for home visiting staff. Reflective supervision, although not required, is recommended. MDHHS can provide technical assistance to local providers on how to supervise staff. MDHHS also provides guidance and training on reflective supervision.
MIHP does not require a specific ratio of supervisors to home visitors.
No information is available on the recommended frequency of supervision.
Staff ratio requirements
MIHP does not require a specific ratio of home visitors to families. Caseloads may vary by provider and by region, based on the resources in the community and each agency’s organization. For example, in local health departments, the nursing and social work staff may provide other services such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); family planning; and lead poisoning prevention, in addition to their role delivering MIHP. In such cases, the multiple roles of staff limit the number of families they are able to serve through MIHP. In contrast, other providers may have staff dedicated exclusively to MIHP and can thus serve more families.
Data systems/technology requirements
MIHP uses a secure statewide database to support service delivery and tracking. Providers must enter maternal and infant assessment data into the MIHP application in the state database. An algorithm, developed in collaboration with Michigan State University, scores individual family risks. Providers also enter discharge summaries when services are complete.
Implementation notes
The information contained on this page was last updated in August 2019. Recommended Further Reading lists the sources for this information. In addition, the information contained in this profile was reviewed for accuracy by the MDHHS MIHP staff on April 15, 2019. HomVEE reserves the right to edit the profile for clarity and consistency.