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
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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 accepted 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.
Preparing your application
Applicants must demonstrate how their prior learning and clinical experience meet each of the key competencies outlined in the framework. For every key competency claimed, applicants must:
- describe how their training, qualifications and experience demonstrate the require competency
- provide supporting evidence, including de-identified clinical examples where appropriate
- clearly map evidence to the relevant competency requirements.
Examples of suitable evidence required are provided within the competency framework.
Assessment requirements
Recognition of prior learning will only be granted where applicants provide clear, current and sufficient evidence that they can perform the required competencies to the expected standard.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- at least 80% competence across all domains; and
- full competence in any competency designated as a red flag ( ) within the competency framework.
Required documents
Your application must include:
- A completed application template with evidence mapped against the key competencies.
- Two letters of endorsement and support:
- one from a paediatrician; and
- one from a psychiatrist.
Submitting your application
Email your completed applications and supporting documentation to MoH-ADHDreforms@health.nsw.gov.au.
Important: 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.
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.