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.
Use our interactive map to find a GP who is an ADHD prescriber in NSW.
About the reforms
Drag the table right to view more columns or turn your phone to landscape
Who | What | How |
|---|---|---|
GP ‘continuation prescribers’ Current | 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’ The first round of training for endorsed prescribers began in mid-March. The second round is expected to start in November 2026. If you would like to join the waitlist for future training rounds, please submit an expression of interest. | 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 or successful application for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Application to the Ministry PSU. About 300 spots were offered, with priority for rural and regional GPs and GPs practicing in Aboriginal community-controlled health settings. GPs on the waitlist as of 21 April will be offered a position in the second round, if they meet the eligibility criteria. |
GP participating in a co-management or transfer of care arrangement Current | Can issue initial and ongoing psychostimulant prescriptions for previously diagnosed patients under a formal co-management or transfer of 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.
Recognition of prior learning
NSW Health has developed a process to support GPs seeking recognition of their prior learning (RPL) under the ADHD reforms competency framework for endorsed prescribers.
Download the competency framework (PDF 4.1 MB)
Download the recognition of prior learning template (DOCX 198.1 KB)
The key competencies presented in the framework should be read alongside the AADPA Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline for ADHD (1st Edition 2022) for comprehensive detail.
For each key competency achieved, applicants are required to describe how prior learning and experience demonstrates they meet the required standard and provide patient de-identified evidence to support this. Examples of evidence required for each competency are included in the competency framework.
RPL will only be granted where applicants provide clear, contemporary and sufficient evidence that they can perform the required competencies. Applicants must demonstrate 80% competence across all domains, including full competence where a red flag ( ) has been designated in the competency framework.
Applications and any attachments required to support the portfolio of evidence should be emailed to MoH-ADHDreforms@health.nsw.gov.au. The recognition of prior learning template has been developed to assist the application process, however applicants may use an alternative format to submit their portfolio of evidence, if preferable. Please note that email is not a secure platform, and patient information should not be shared as part of your portfolio, unless it has been de-identified.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the ADHD Reforms Clinical Evaluation Panel. Successful applicants will be invited to apply to the NSW Ministry of Health Pharmaceutical Services Unit (PSU) to be granted a general authority for endorsed prescribers, which will allow prescribing of dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate for people with ADHD within specified dose limits, and in accordance with conditions which include, but are not limited to:
- Prescribing within a general practice that is accredited, or has commenced the process of accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) accreditation standards (N.B. an exemption to this condition may be granted if the practice provides comprehensive, patient-centred, whole person and continuous general practice care, as per the most recent RACGP standards)
- Regular review of SafeScript NSW real-time prescription monitoring.
There is an expectation that successful applicants are willing to take on new patients and will consent to their name, practice name and address being disclosed to relevant local health district paediatric and mental health services. These details will also be disclosed to the relevant primary health network for the purpose of supporting uptake of the reforms and giving information and support regarding ADHD care.
We also encourage successful applicants to consent to disclosing their practice information to the healthdirect service finder directory so that members of the public can search for practices with ADHD endorsed prescribers.
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.
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.