GP ADHD Prescribing in New South Wales
NSW Stage 1 GP ADHD prescribing has been live since 1 September 2025. Over 800 GPs are now approved as continuation prescribers via SafeScript NSW, with 5,000+ patients benefiting and 18,000+ scripts filled. Stage 2 training — allowing GPs to diagnose and initiate stimulant prescriptions — commenced March 2026. Here's everything you need to know about NSW's “ADHD care in general practice” programme.
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What's Happening in NSW?
NSW's two-stage “ADHD care in general practice” programme is managed by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI). Stage 1 has been live since September 2025.
Before September 2025
- Only psychiatrists and paediatricians could prescribe ADHD stimulants
- GPs limited to referral and monitoring roles
- Patients needed to return to specialist for every repeat prescription
- Long wait times of 6-18 months for specialist ADHD assessment in Sydney and regional NSW
- Significant access barriers in rural and Western NSW communities
Since September 2025
- Stage 1 (live): 800+ GPs continuing stimulant prescriptions via SafeScript NSW
- 5,000+ patients benefiting, 18,000+ scripts filled
- Covers dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate (Schedule 8) for ages 6+
- Stage 2 training commenced March 2026 — first GPs expected mid-to-late 2026
- Priority access for rural and remote NSW communities
How NSW Got Here
Two-stage reform announced
NSW reveals continuation prescribing first, then GP initiation
Stage 1 goes live
800+ GPs begin continuation prescribing via SafeScript NSW
5,000+ patients benefited
18,000+ scripts filled under Stage 1
Stage 2 training starts
GPs begin training to independently diagnose and initiate prescribing
First Stage 2 GPs expected
First NSW GPs complete initiation training and begin independent prescribing
Stage 1: Continuation Prescribing
Under Stage 1, trained NSW GPs can continue stimulant prescriptions that were initially prescribed by a psychiatrist or specialist.
What It Means
If your specialist has already prescribed ADHD stimulant medication, a trained GP can now manage your ongoing prescriptions — no more returning to the specialist for every repeat.
Who Qualifies
Patients who already have an active stimulant prescription initiated by a psychiatrist or paediatrician, and whose GP has completed the approved ADHD training module.
Approved ADHD Training Module
NSW GPs must complete an approved training module covering DSM-5 criteria, stimulant medication management, and ongoing patient monitoring before they can continue prescriptions.
Regular Patient Review
GPs must maintain a regular review schedule to monitor treatment effectiveness, side effects, and ongoing clinical need — ensuring safe, ongoing care.
Stage 2: Full GP Initiation (Expected)
Stage 2 is expected to grant trained NSW GPs full initiation rights for ADHD stimulant medication, similar to what Queensland introduced in December 2025.
What's Expected
- GPs will be able to diagnose ADHD and initiate stimulant prescriptions
- No prior specialist prescription required
- Comprehensive DSM-5 clinical assessment will be mandatory
- Similar to Queensland's GP initiation model (live since Nov 2024)
Timeline
Stage 2 does not yet have a confirmed start date. NSW Health is monitoring the rollout of Stage 1 before expanding GP prescribing rights further.
We'll update this page as soon as Stage 2 dates are confirmed by NSW Health. Bookmark this page or check back regularly.
For Patients: What You Can Do Now
Whether you already have an ADHD diagnosis or suspect you might have ADHD, here's how the NSW reforms affect you.
Talk to Your GP
Ask your GP if they have completed (or plan to complete) the approved ADHD training module. If they have, they can manage your ongoing stimulant prescriptions under Stage 1.
Get Screened
If you suspect ADHD, your GP can screen you using validated tools and refer you to a specialist for initial diagnosis and prescription. A digital pre-assessment streamlines this process.
Ongoing GP Care
Once a specialist initiates your prescription, your trained GP can continue managing it — saving you repeat specialist visits and reducing wait times for others.
For GPs: Training & Tools
The pathway for NSW GPs to begin continuation prescribing under Stage 1.
Complete Training
Enrol in and complete the NSW-approved ADHD training module covering DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, stimulant medication management, and ongoing patient monitoring protocols.
Assess with DSM-5 Tools
Use validated DSM-5 assessment tools for clinical review. ClientForms provides auto-scored assessments with criterion grouping — a free screener is available for patient pre-screening.
Continue & Monitor
Continue stimulant prescriptions from specialists and establish an ongoing monitoring and review schedule. Document clinical assessments and maintain regular patient follow-up.
ADHD Assessment Tools for NSW GPs
Validated DSM-5 assessment tools with instant scoring and criterion grouping, ready for the NSW GP prescribing pathway.
Clinical Assessment Forms
Adult ADHD Assessment (DSM-5), Child ADHD Assessment, plus comorbidity screening tools — all auto-scored with criterion grouping.
Free ADHD Screener
Quick ADHD screening test patients can try before booking an appointment. Results can be shared with their GP to inform the clinical assessment.
Common Questions About GP ADHD Prescribing in NSW
Can my GP prescribe ADHD medication in NSW?
Yes — since 1 September 2025, NSW GPs approved as "continuation prescribers" via SafeScript NSW can continue and adjust stimulant prescriptions (dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate) for patients aged 6+ with an existing ADHD diagnosis. Over 800 GPs have been trained so far, benefiting 5,000+ patients with 18,000+ scripts filled. Full GP initiation rights are expected under Stage 2, with training commencing March 2026.
When can NSW GPs start prescribing ADHD medication?
Stage 1 has been live since 1 September 2025. Trained GPs can already continue stimulant prescriptions originally initiated by a psychiatrist or specialist. Stage 2 training commenced in March 2026 — this will allow GPs to diagnose and initiate ADHD stimulant prescriptions independently. The first Stage 2 GPs are expected to begin prescribing mid-to-late 2026, with rural and remote GPs given priority.
What is Stage 1 vs Stage 2 GP prescribing in NSW?
Stage 1 (live since 1 September 2025) allows trained GPs to continue and adjust Schedule 8 stimulant prescriptions that were initially prescribed by a specialist — meaning patients no longer need to return to their psychiatrist for every repeat. Stage 2 (training commenced March 2026) will expand GP rights to include full initiation of stimulant medication, allowing GPs to both diagnose and prescribe ADHD stimulants without a prior specialist prescription. Nearly 600 GPs have expressed interest in Stage 2 training.
Do I still need a psychiatrist for ADHD in NSW?
Under Stage 1 (live since September 2025), you still need a specialist to initiate your first ADHD stimulant prescription. However, once that initial prescription is in place, a trained NSW GP can continue and adjust your ongoing medication via SafeScript NSW. Under Stage 2 (training commenced March 2026, first GPs expected mid-to-late 2026), GPs will gain full initiation rights. In the meantime, many patients are using the GP pathway for screening and referral to reduce specialist wait times.
What training do NSW GPs need for ADHD prescribing?
The programme is called "ADHD care in general practice", managed by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) and funded by NSW Health. For Stage 1, GPs complete training covering DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, stimulant medication management (dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate), monitoring protocols, and SafeScript NSW registration. Stage 2 training commenced March 2026, takes 3-6 months, and prioritises rural and remote GPs.
Sources & Further Reading
- NSW Health (opens in new tab) — NSW GP prescribing reforms, approved training modules, and regulatory framework
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) (opens in new tab) — GP training resources and clinical guidelines for ADHD
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) (opens in new tab) — Official PBS medicine listings including methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine authority requirements
. Information is general guidance only — verify current rules with NSW Health before prescribing.
See the full state-by-state guide: GP ADHD Prescribing in Australia →
Queensland GP prescribing (live since Nov 2024): GP ADHD Prescribing in Queensland →
Victoria (reforms under consultation): GP ADHD Prescribing in Victoria →
Western Australia: GP ADHD Prescribing in WA →
South Australia (reforms announced): GP ADHD Prescribing in SA →
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