Reforms are underway to strengthen the role of general practitioners (GPs) in managing people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in NSW.
From 1 September 2025, GPs who have applied and been granted status as a continuation prescriber can start issuing psychostimulant prescriptions for patients aged 6 years and older with previously diagnosed ADHD, where criteria are met.
About the reforms
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Who | What | How |
|---|---|---|
GP ‘continuation prescribers’ From 1 September 2025. | Can issue psychostimulant prescriptions in previously diagnosed and stabilised patients with ADHD. Minor dose adjustments allowed and switch between formulations of same drug type, e.g. immediate to slow release. For people aged 6 years and above. | Completion of a training course endorsed by NSW Ministry of Health. Application to the NSW Ministry of Health (the Ministry) Pharmaceutical Services Unit (PSU). General Authority issued to GP. No limit on the number of applications granted. |
GP ‘endorsed prescribers’ Expressions of interest to become an endorsed prescriber are open. | Can commence psychostimulants in newly diagnosed patients. All currently allowable dose adjustments and switching between psychostimulant medicines. For people aged 6 years and above. | Completion of an endorsed training program. Application to the Ministry PSU. Limited training spots with priority for rural and regional GPs and GPs practicing in Aboriginal community-controlled health settings. |
GP with ‘other designated prescriber’ status Current | Can commence psychostimulants in newly diagnosed patients. All currently allowable dose adjustments and switching between psychostimulant medicines. For people aged 4 to 17 years. | Relevant prior training and experience. Application to the NSW Ministry of Health Pharmaceutical Services Unit. ODP status granted to GP. Individual patient approval required from the Ministry PSU. |
GP participating in a co-management or transfer of care arrangement Current | Can issue psychostimulant prescriptions for previously diagnosed patients under a formal shared-care arrangement with a paediatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist For people of all ages. | Individual patient approval required from the Ministry PSU. |
Continuation prescribers
The management (prescribing and supply) of dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate (psychostimulant medicines) is subject to compliance with the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966, and its regulations.
Prescribing and supplying psychostimulant medicines requires prior authorisation by the NSW Ministry of Health.
Continuation prescribers will be enabled to provide ongoing psychostimulant prescriptions for people aged 6 years and older who have been previously diagnosed with ADHD and are stable on their medication. According to the conditions of the criteria, GPs will also be enabled to make minor dose adjustments, as required.
In most cases, this will follow initiation and stabilisation of the medication by a paediatrician, psychiatrist or, less commonly, a neurologist.
More about Schedule 8 psychostimulant prescriptions
Download the Criteria for the Management of Medicines for ADHD by Continuation Prescribers (PDF)
Applications to obtain a general authority as a continuation prescriber are now open.
Endorsed prescribers
A smaller number of GPs will undergo additional training to diagnose ADHD and initiate medicines, where appropriate.
GPs will be supported to accurately diagnose and manage ADHD in children and adults, including initiating, switching and increasing psychostimulant medicines. Endorsed prescribers must complete additional specific and accredited training.
More information on the requirements to become an endorsed prescriber can be found on the frequently asked questions for health professionals page. This includes information about the training required and how to submit an expression of interest.
General practitioners participating in co-management or transfer of care models
Prescribers may use their General Authority to issue prescriptions for psychostimulant medicines to patients managed under co-management or transfer of care arrangements, provided all relevant conditions are met. NSW Health will continue to consider individual patient applications from GPs, including those who are not continuation prescribers, for approval to prescribe or supply psychostimulant medicines where this is the preferred model of care.
General practitioners that are other designated prescribers
Other designated prescribers (ODP) are medical practitioners who can apply to initiate and prescribe psychostimulants for individual patients under certain conditions, without approval from a non-GP specialist. An ODP is usually a GP who has completed additional training. The Ministry PSU grants this status.
Resources
View a webinar on the reforms hosted by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) has resources for health professionals.
The Pharmaceutical Services Unit has information on the prescribing of a psychostimulant medicine.