GP ADHD Prescribing in New South Wales
NSW-authorised endorsed GPs can diagnose ADHD and start medication for eligible patients aged 6 and over. Continuation prescribers manage stimulant medication for stable patients with an existing diagnosis. Use the NSW Health prescriber directory and ask the practice which service it offers.
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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
- Ask the practice about assessment availability, eligibility and fees
- Significant access barriers in rural and Western NSW communities
Since September 2025
- Stage 1 is live for authorised continuation prescribers
- Patients need an existing ADHD diagnosis and stable medication
- Covers dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate (Schedule 8) for ages 6+
- Stage 2 endorsed prescribing available for eligible patients
- 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
Authorised 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
Endorsed prescribing begins
Authorised endorsed GPs can diagnose and start medication for eligible patients
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: Diagnosis and Initial Prescribing
NSW-authorised endorsed GPs can assess, diagnose and start ADHD treatment for eligible patients aged 6 and over.
What Endorsed Prescribers Can Do
- Assess and diagnose ADHD in eligible patients
- Start ADHD medication when clinically appropriate
- Adjust or switch stimulant medicines within their authority
Timeline
NSW Health confirms the first cohort is now prescribing. The first training round began in March 2026.
Check with the practice before booking. Ask whether it offers assessment and initiation or continuation care, and confirm appointments and fees.
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?
NSW-authorised endorsed prescribers can assess, diagnose and start ADHD medication for eligible patients aged 6 and over. Continuation prescribers can manage stimulant medication for stable patients with an existing diagnosis. Ask the practice which service it offers.
When can NSW GPs start prescribing ADHD medication?
NSW continuation prescribing began on 1 September 2025. NSW Health confirms the first cohort of endorsed prescribers can now diagnose and start ADHD treatment for eligible patients aged 6 and over.
What is Stage 1 vs Stage 2 GP prescribing in NSW?
Stage 1 lets authorised continuation prescribers manage medication for stable patients with an existing ADHD diagnosis. Stage 2 lets authorised endorsed prescribers assess, diagnose and start treatment for eligible patients aged 6 and over.
Do I still need a psychiatrist for ADHD in NSW?
Eligible patients aged 6 and over may be assessed and treated by an NSW-authorised endorsed prescriber. Some presentations require specialist care. Ask your regular GP which pathway fits your circumstances.
What training do NSW GPs need for ADHD prescribing?
Continuation prescribers complete recognised training and obtain NSW Health authority. Endorsed prescribers need additional recognised training or approved recognition of prior learning and the relevant NSW Health authority.
Sources & Further Reading
- NSW Health (opens in new tab) — NSW GP prescribing reforms, approved training modules, and regulatory framework
- NSW endorsed-prescriber training and eligibility (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 Dec 2025): GP ADHD Prescribing in Queensland →
Victoria (trained GPs can assess and prescribe): GP ADHD Prescribing in Victoria →
Western Australia: GP ADHD Prescribing in WA →
South Australia (reforms announced): GP ADHD Prescribing in SA →
Ready to start assessing?
AADPA-aligned ADHD assessment tools for NSW GPs. Screening, diagnosis, childhood history, and functional impact. Scored instantly with clinical severity bands.
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