Appropriately trained Canberra GPs can now prescribe ADHD medications to eligible patients without the need for repeat reviews from specialists. Photo: Chartchaik1.
Eligible patients will no longer need repeated reviews from a psychiatrist, paediatrician or neurologist to have access to their ADHD medication.
Canberra general practitioners who have completed approved training can now prescribe the medication instead, for those who are stable on their ADHD medication, are aged six years or older, and have an existing diagnosis from a relevant specialist.
GPs also won’t need approval from the Chief Health Officer to continue prescribing.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the changes would benefit both patients and health professionals by reducing delays, easing demand for referrals and appointments, and removing unnecessary administrative burdens.
“Families and individuals living with ADHD can sometimes face barriers to accessing treatment,” she said.
“[These changes] around prescribing ADHD medications are the first stage of our approach to better supporting ADHD care in the ACT.”
Other changes include a requirement that psychiatrists, pediatricians, and neurologists obtain approval from the Chief Health Officer to prescribe ADHD medications to patients within defined dosage ranges.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) ACT president Dr Kerrie Aust described the simplified treatment pathway as a “sensible reform”.
“[It] reflects both clinical realities and the calls from patients and families for better access to timely assessment and treatment,” she said.
“Importantly, the changes maintain appropriate safeguards and recognise the role of GPs as central providers of care. We look forward to its implementation and evaluation, and to seeing the benefits this change brings for Canberrans who have long sought a more responsive and streamlined system.”
GPs in the ACT who choose not to expand their ADHD scope of practice can still prescribe ADHD medications in a shared-care arrangement with paediatricians, psychiatrists and neurologists.
It’s estimated that ADHD affects 6 to 10 per cent of Australian children and young people, and 2 to 10 per cent of adults.
Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) NSW&ACT chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said the changes represented an important step in improving timely access to treatment for people living with ADHD.
“These updates will make a tangible difference for patients and families who often face long waits for specialist appointments,” she said.
“Allowing trained GPs to continue prescribing for stable patients within a clear clinical framework helps ensure people receive timely, consistent, and accessible care.”
It was an election commitment to expand GPs’ role in diagnosing and treating ADHD, and further changes are on the horizon.
“Further reforms will come into effect later this year to allow GPs, with additional training, to diagnose ADHD and initiate medication for patients,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“These changes will improve access to timely care and help ease pressure on the health system, while ensuring prescribing remains safe and supported by appropriate monitoring.”
Dr Hoffman previously stated that recognising the role GPs could play in diagnosing and managing ADHD was “overdue”.
“Specialist GPs are well-supported by appropriate prescribing guidelines, and GPs have been successfully supporting children with ADHD in Queensland for eight years without issues,” she said.
“We manage a diverse range of chronic conditions throughout our patients’ lives, and ADHD isn’t radically different. Our role as providers of continuing, holistic care perfectly positions GPs to support patients with ADHD.”
More information is available from the ACT Government or HealthDirect.