Changes to ADHD prescribing rules

Who can start ADHD medicines under the new rules

• For children and adolescents (17 years and under): Paediatricians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners working in paediatric or child and adolescent mental health services can start prescribing stimulant treatment.
• For adults (18 years and over): Paediatricians, psychiatrists, GPs, and nurse practitioners working within their area of practice can start prescribing stimulant treatment.
• For all ages: Other medical practitioners or nurse practitioners can only prescribe stimulant medicines if they have a written recommendation from one of the authorised prescribers above.

Not every GP or NP will offer ADHD services

Although more healthcare providers can now provide ADHD care, not every GP or nurse practitioner (NP) will. Those who do usually have a special interest and experience in managing ADHD. It's best to check the practice website or ask the receptionist whether your practice has a GP or NP who does ADHD assessments and what the arrangements are.

Psychiatrists and paediatricians will continue to diagnose and prescribe as before. Some other practitioners may prescribe if they have a written recommendation from an authorised prescriber.

In complex cases, your GP or NP may still prefer you are fully assessed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician first. This helps ensure your diagnosis and treatment are safe and thorough.

Initial ADHD consultations will take longer than a standard GP visit

First ADHD consults usually take longer than a standard GP visit because they involve a detailed clinical interview, reviewing symptoms over time, using rating scales and questionnaires, and screening for other conditions. Even though more GPs and NPs can now prescribe ADHD medicines, these longer appointments are important to make sure your assessment is safe and thorough. Because of the extra time involved, these consultations may also cost more than a standard GP visit.

Services will roll out gradually

Not all general practices will offer these services immediately, and the changes are likely to happen gradually as healthcare providers will need time to train and prepare.

Services offered may vary across providers

'ADHD services' refers to all aspects of ADHD care, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, ongoing medication management, and follow-up. Exactly what is offered can vary from one provider to another.

Costs may vary

The government doesn't directly fund these ADHD services, so fees could differ depending on who you see. It’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or clinic about any costs before using these services.

Additional checks at the pharmacy

When you collect your ADHD stimulant medicines from the pharmacy, the pharmacist may need to check who originally started your treatment. This can sometimes mean extra checks or a short delay, particularly for first prescriptions or shared-care arrangements. Bringing any relevant documentation (eg, clinic letters) can help things go smoothly.