Frequently asked questions for health professionals
Key points
- From 1 September 2025, GPs can apply to become authorised continuation prescribers for ADHD medications including Schedule 8 psychostimulants after completing endorsed training.
- This provides authority to prescribe ongoing treatment for people aged 6 years and older who have a diagnosis of ADHD under specific conditions without the need for a formal arrangement.
General
What are the pathways for psychostimulant medicines prescribing by GPs for people with ADHD, and when will they be introduced?
Refer to our summary table about the reforms.
What ADHD medicines are covered under these reforms?
There are different types of medicines used in the treatment of ADHD, including psychostimulant medicines that are subject to strict prescribing controls.
GPs who are authorised continuation prescribers will be able to prescribe all medications used to treat ADHD, including psychostimulant medicines.
Psychostimulant medicines include:
- Dexamfetamine, e.g. Aspen Dexamfetamine®
- Lisdexamfetamine, e.g. Vyvanse®
- Methylphenidate, e.g. Artige®, Ritalin®, Ritalin LA®, Rubifen LA®, Concerta SR®
Other non-stimulant medications used in the treatment of ADHD include atomoxetine (APO Atomoxetine®), guanfacine (Intuniv®) and clonidine (Catapres®). These medicines are not subject to the same prescribing controls.
More about Schedule 8 psychostimulant prescriptions
Will there be changes to psychostimulant medicines prescribing for paediatricians, psychiatrists and neurologists?
No. The regulatory changes enabling GPs to prescribe psychostimulants are in addition to, and do not replace, the current class authority for paediatricians, psychiatrists and neurologists to prescribe psychostimulant medicines for people with ADHD, where certain criteria are met.
How does this impact my status as an other designated prescriber (ODP)?
GPs with ODP status must still obtain individual patient approvals to prescribe psychostimulant medicines. The ODP status will not change with the implementation of continuation prescribing.
Will the changes impact my current co-management and transfer of care arrangements?
The NSW Ministry of 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 co-management or transfer of care arrangements with relevant specialists are the preferred model of care.
Continuation prescribers may use their General Authority to issue prescriptions for psychostimulant medicines to people under co-management or transfer of care arrangements with relevant specialists, provided all conditions are met.
Do I need to register with SafeScript NSW?
Yes. Regular review of SafeScript NSW is a condition of the General Authority. SafeScript NSW should be checked for evidence of alerts, approvals, or other issues related to the prescribing or supply of high-risk monitored medicines.
What if I don’t want to participate in these reforms?
It is not mandatory for GPs to participate in these reforms. All GPs can still manage their regular patients with ADHD in a co-management model.
Continuation prescribers
Will there be recognition of relevant prior learning (RPL) and/or experience for continuation prescribers?
Yes. NSW Health encourages GPs to complete one of 3 endorsed training courses for continuation prescribers. The courses have been reviewed as contemporary and practical. However, GPs can apply for recognition of prior learning and/or experience. Courses must have been completed within the last 5 years to be considered. Email MOH-ADHDreforms@health.nsw.gov.au for more information.
I am an approved continuation prescriber but have moved practices. Do I need to apply again to the NSW Ministry of Health?
If you have moved to another accredited general practice (or a practice that is in the process of accreditation) you are not required to re-apply or advise the NSW Ministry of Health. If you have moved to a non-accredited practice, your general authority is not valid in that setting.
What is required to confirm a prior ADHD diagnosis?
The continuation prescriber must be satisfied that the patient has a valid prior diagnosis of ADHD and that a repeat assessment is not necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This may involve a phone call between the GP and the diagnosing specialist, or a letter or other form of communication between healthcare professionals.
What is required to confirm a patient is stable on psychostimulant medication?
Stability should be confirmed through both prescribing history and clinical assessment, ensuring the patient does not require further titration or review before providing a continuation prescription of psychostimulants. The patient should have maintained the same dose for an appropriate period, with controlled symptoms and no significant side effects.
I have a patient who took a break from psychostimulants. Can I provide a continuation prescription?
GPs should confirm that a patient is clinically stable on psychostimulant medicine before providing a continuation prescription. If a patient has taken a break from psychostimulant medications, they may be required to see their treating specialist for re-initiation of treatment.
Can I change the dose of a psychostimulant medicine as a continuation prescriber?
Yes. Minor dose adjustments can be made according to certain criteria (PDF).
More about Schedule 8 psychostimulant prescriptions
Can I switch psychostimulant medicines as a continuation prescriber?
Continuation prescribers may switch between different formulations of the same medicine, e.g. between methylphenidate immediate-release formulation and methylphenidate modified-release formulations. However, if a switch of medicine is required (e.g. from dexamfetamine to lisdexamfetamine or from lisdexamfetamine to methylphenidate) referral to a relevant specialist is required.
Do ADHD diagnoses made by doctors overseas qualify as a 'previous diagnosis'?
No. If a person is moving to or travelling in NSW and wants to continue psychostimulant medicines, they must first see either an AHPRA-registered paediatrician, psychiatrist, neurologist or other designated prescriber (ODP).
Do ADHD diagnoses made by specialist GPs outside NSW qualify as a 'previous diagnosis'?
No. Being diagnosed by a GP in another jurisdiction where this is enabled does not mean they can continue receiving psychostimulant medicines through a continuation prescriber. They must first see either a paediatrician, psychiatrist, neurologist or ODP.
What additional training will GPs require to become a continuation prescriber?
GPs must complete one of the endorsed training courses prior to making an application to the NSW Ministry of Health to become a continuation prescriber.
When can I apply to NSW Ministry of Health to become a continuation prescriber?
Applications are now open for GPs to obtain a General Authority to become a continuation prescribers. You must have completed an endorsed training course in the past 3 years. Once the General Authority is granted, GPs can prescribe psychostimulants within the conditions of the authority from 1 September 2025.
Can I still apply to be a continuation prescriber if I work in a non-accredited general practice?
GPs must work within an accredited practice, or a practice that has commenced the process of accreditation, to become a continuation prescriber. If you would like to be considered for an exemption from this requirement, please submit a supporting statement when you submit your application to become a continuation prescriber.
Applications from practitioners at practices that are not accredited will generally only be approved if the practice provides comprehensive, patient-centred, whole person and continuous general practice care, as per the most recent RACGP standards.
Services that provide limited and/or non-continuous care are not eligible for accreditation. This may include but is not limited to:
- telehealth-only services (including on-demand telehealth services), where continuous care may be provided but scope of care provided is limited, i.e. physical assessment is not possible
- services that focus on a specific body system or disease process (such as skin cancer or mental health clinics), where scope of care provided is limited
- services that are not GP-led; that is, those that do not provide predominantly general practice services as per the description of predominantly within the definition, e.g. nurse-led services.
Can I apply to be a continuation prescriber if I work interstate?
GPs in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who have completed the requirements to become a continuation prescriber may apply to the NSW Ministry of Health. Applications will also be open to GPs who work close to state borders, e.g. Wodonga. Email MOH-ADHDreforms@health.nsw.gov.au to determine if this applies to you and your practice. Applications from Melbourne or Brisbane will not be accepted.
I have applied for a General Authority as a continuation prescriber. How will I receive my authority?
Once issued, your General Authority will be uploaded into SafeScript NSW. You will receive an email outlining how to view this in the correspondence section of your profile.
I have been issued a GACP number. Do I need to apply for an authority for each patient?
No, your GACP number will authorise you to issue a prescription for psychostimulant medicines, provided you comply with the conditions specified in the authority.
Can I allow another GP to prescribe under my General Authority?
No, your GACP is issued specifically to you and cannot be transferred to another GP.
What arrangements can I make for my patients if I take leave?
If you have General Authority as a continuation prescriber and need to take leave, another GP or registrar in the same general practice may take over prescribing psychostimulant medicines for your patients while you are on leave.
If the GP taking over the care of your patient does not have authority as a continuation prescriber, they will need to apply for an individual patient approval to prescribe psychostimulant medicines for a patient with ADHD. No formal arrangement will be required for this application to be approved.
Endorsed prescribers
What is the GP endorsed prescriber pathway?
Expressions of interest to become an endorsed prescriber for the first round of training are now closed and training began mid-March. We received a significant number of applications to become an endorsed prescriber, with over 700 EOIs and just over 300 spots available. Priority was given to rural and regional GPs and GPs practicing in Aboriginal community-controlled health settings.
The second round of endorsed prescriber training is expected to commence in November 2026.
GPs on the waitlist as of 21 April 2026 will be offered a training position if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a fellow or registrar of RACGP or ACRRM.
- Be an approved continuation prescriber.
- Work in an accredited GP, or a practice that has commenced an accreditation process. If you work within a non-accredited practice, but believe your practice provides comprehensive, patient-centred, whole-person and continuous general practice care (as per the most recent RACGP standards), you may be considered for an exemption from this requirement.
To be considered for future training opportunities, complete an expression of interest form to join the waitlist. The Ministry of Health will be in touch with GPs on the waitlist as soon as further information about upcoming training opportunities becomes available.
What training is required?
Training will consist of required and optional components. The required components will include an educational component delivered in 2 ways, depending on the preference of the GP:
- Pre-scheduled live facilitated sessions.
- Self-paced online courses.
A further required component involves participation in a facilitated community of practice (CoP). These CoPs will be delivered via videoconference, and available at different times and days.
Optional elements will include opportunities for education and attendance at NSW Health paediatric clinics.
Will there be recognition of relevant prior learning (RPL) and/or experience for endorsed prescribers?
Yes. NSW Health has developed a competency framework to support GPs seeking recognition of prior learning (RPL) to become endorsed prescribers. Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating they can perform the required competencies. Applications for RPL are now open and will be assessed by the NSW ADHD Reforms Clinical Evaluation Panel. The expected time for the evaluation of applications is approximately 1 to 2 months, depending on the volume of applications received.
Will I be able to access paediatric and psychiatry support for my patients?
Support for GPs seeking advice and escalation of care pathways will be provided through telehealth platforms. This will include real-time support and requests for advice.
Will I be paid for training?
Training costs will be covered by NSW Health, and a remuneration package will be available for those who complete the training requirements. The payment amount will depend on certain factors, such as practice location. GPs who are selected to undertake training will be contacted with details of the remuneration package.
Can I prescribe psychostimulants when I’m still training to become an endorsed prescriber?
Yes. Once you’ve completed certain elements of the training program, you will be enabled to commence prescribing psychostimulants.
When will I hear if I can become an endorsed prescriber?
The first round of training began in mid-March and intake for this round has closed.
The second round of training is expected to commence in November 2026. All GPs on the waitlist as of 21 April 2026 will be offered a position, if they meet the eligibility criteria. Enrolment will commence in September 2026.
The Ministry of Health ADHD reforms team may be in contact to discuss elements of your expression of interest.
The expression of interest form remains open for all GPs interested in becoming an endorsed prescriber for future training opportunities.
When will training commence? How long will it take?
Training commenced mid-March 2026 and will take about 6 months to complete. The next round of training is expected to commence in November 2026.
I am already a continuation prescriber. Can I participate in the endorsed prescriber pathway?
Yes. Continuation prescribers are encouraged to apply.
Do I need to be a continuation prescriber to apply for the endorsed prescriber pathway?
Yes. You must be approved as a continuation prescriber before applying for endorsed prescriber training. This is to ensure that all endorsed prescribers have experience with psychostimulant prescribing.
Can I apply to become an endorsed prescriber if I work outside NSW?
No. You must be a GP practicing in NSW.