The NSW Government is introducing reforms to enable general practitioners (GPs) to diagnose and treat people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The General Authority for continuation prescribers will be enabled on 1 September 2025.
Applications to obtain a general authority as a continuation prescriber are now open. Before making an application to the NSW Ministry of Health, please ensure you have completed a course endorsed by NSW Health and read the Criteria for the management of medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by continuation prescribers.
A list of endorsed courses is available below.
The management (prescribing and supply) of dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate (psychostimulant medicines) is subject to compliance with the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966, and its regulations.
Prescribing and supplying of psychostimulant medicines requires prior authorisation by the NSW Ministry of Health.
This document describes the criteria for the prescription of psychostimulant medicines for people with ADHD by continuation prescribers.
There is currently no requirement for NSW Health approval to initiate or continue prescribing or supplying non-stimulant medicines used in the treatment of ADHD (e.g. guanfacine, atomoxetine, clonidine).
Criteria for the management of medicines for ADHD by continuation prescribers
Prescribers may use their general authority to issue prescriptions for psychostimulant medicines to patients managed under co-management or transfer of care arrangements, provided all relevant conditions are met. NSW Health will continue to consider individual patient applications from general practitioners, including those who are not continuation prescribers, for approval to prescribe or supply psychostimulant medicines where this is the preferred model of care.
Please complete this form and follow the instruction on the form to lodge your application.
Application to prescribe or supply Schedule 8 psychostimulants for the treatment of ADHD under a General Authority for Continuation Prescribers
The following courses are endorsed by the NSW Ministry of Health and must be completed prior to applying. Only one (1) of the following courses is required.
Applicants who have completed any of the following courses within the past three years are not required to repeat them, provided they can produce evidence upon request.
If you are a member of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and would like to complete the RACGP course, please contact us at MOH-ADHDreforms@health.nsw.gov.au to organise subsidised access.