Calling all GPs: Become a continuation prescriber for ADHD

With the recent reforms to ADHD care in NSW, general practitioners now have a vital and expanded role to play in managing ADHD — offering patients more timely, accessible, and holistic care.

As we begin a new CPD calendar year, consider completing the training and become a ‘continuation prescriber.’

• From 1 September 2025, GPs who secure General Authority status after completing the continuation prescriber training can prescribe psychostimulant medications (e.g. methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine) for patients aged 6 years and older, who already have a diagnosis of ADHD and are stable on treatment without needing a formal shared-care agreement with a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or neurologist or an individual safe script approval.
• Able to supply refills, perform minor dose adjustments, or switch between formulations of the same drug.
• This change helps reduce pressure on specialist waitlists, improve continuity of care, and ensure patients get stable, timely access to medication – often under the care of the GP they already know.

To become a continuation prescriber:

• Complete one endorsed training course — only one is required. Eligible courses include:
  📚 RACGP GPlearning – ‘Identification and management of ADHD’ + ‘Pharmacological management of ADHD’ (≈ 3.5 hours; free for RACGP members)
  📚 Medcast – ‘ADHD Uncovered: A Practical Guide for GPs’ (≈ 4 hours; fee applies)
  📚 The Academy by Psych Scene: ‘ADHD Excellence Across the Lifespan’ (≈ 7 hours; fee applies)

• Submit an application to the NSW Ministry of Health Pharmaceutical Services Unit for a General Authority for continuation prescribing.
• Once granted (GACP number issued), you may prescribe psychostimulants for eligible patients — subject to the Ministry’s criteria and SafeScript NSW monitoring requirements.

If you completed one of these courses in the past 3 years, you do not need to repeat it – simply produce evidence of completion when applying.

Why it’s a great choice for GPs

• Expand your practice: Managing chronic conditions, coordinating care, and supporting patients throughout their lives are key aspects of general practice, and providing ADHD care aligns well with these strengths.
• Meet CPD requirements: These endorsed courses counts as CPD activity — useful for the new calendar year.
• Help patients sooner: You can prevent delays and shorten waiting times for specialist care, which supports patients’ wellbeing and enhances their academic and social functioning.
• Reduce system burden: Specialist services remain available for new diagnoses or complex cases; GPs help with ongoing care for stable patients, freeing up specialists to do what only they can.
• Holistic care: As a GP, you’re well placed to combine medication management with lifestyle, behavioural, and psychosocial interventions — critical for long-term ADHD care.

If you’re looking for a meaningful CPD activity that addresses a genuine population health need, becoming a continuation prescriber for ADHD is a valuable, achievable, and professionally rewarding option.

By training now, you’ll help improve access to ADHD care, reduce delays for families, and provide continuity and stability for patients.

• ADHD Medication Co-management for Children and Adolescents
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