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.’
What’s changed – and why it matters
- 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.
What you need to do
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.
HealthPathways info
- ADHD Medication Co-management for Children and Adolescents
- Username: manchealth, password: conn3ct3d (if not using a personal login)
