GP ADHD Prescribing in New South Wales
NSW is rolling out GP ADHD prescribing rights from March 2026. Under a two-stage approach, trained GPs can first continue stimulant prescriptions from specialists, with full GP initiation rights expected to follow. Here's everything you need to know about NSW's GP prescribing reforms, training requirements, and what it means for patients.
What's Happening in NSW?
NSW is introducing GP ADHD prescribing rights through a phased, two-stage approach starting March 2026, expanding access for patients across the state.
Before March 2026
- 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
From March 2026
- Stage 1: Trained GPs can continue stimulant prescriptions from specialists
- Patients no longer need to return to specialist for every repeat
- Stage 2 (later): Full GP initiation rights expected
- Reduced wait times through GP-level continuation prescribing
- Better access for regional, rural, and underserved NSW communities
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 November 2024.
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 auto-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?
Starting from March 2026, NSW GPs who complete the approved ADHD training module can continue stimulant prescriptions that were initially prescribed by a specialist. Under Stage 1, your GP can manage ongoing ADHD medication renewals without you needing to return to the specialist for every repeat prescription. Full GP initiation rights are expected under Stage 2 at a later date.
When can NSW GPs start prescribing ADHD medication?
Stage 1 of NSW GP ADHD prescribing is rolling out from March 2026. This allows trained GPs to continue stimulant prescriptions originally initiated by a psychiatrist or specialist. Stage 2, which is expected to allow GPs to initiate prescriptions independently, is anticipated to follow but does not yet have a confirmed start date.
What is Stage 1 vs Stage 2 GP prescribing in NSW?
Stage 1 (live from March 2026) allows trained GPs to continue stimulant prescriptions that were initially prescribed by a specialist — meaning patients no longer need to return to their psychiatrist for every repeat. Stage 2 (expected later) 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.
Do I still need a psychiatrist for ADHD in NSW?
Under Stage 1 (from March 2026), 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 manage your ongoing medication. Under Stage 2 (timeline to be confirmed), GPs are expected to 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?
NSW GPs must complete an approved ADHD training module before they can continue stimulant prescriptions under Stage 1. The training covers DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, stimulant medication management, monitoring protocols, and patient safety requirements. Contact NSW Health or the RACGP for specific approved training providers and module details.
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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