ADHD Shared Care: Prescribing Pathways for GPs

Recent NSW ADHD reforms have expanded the role of general practice, making it easier for GPs to prescribe psychostimulant medications and providing ongoing ADHD care closer to home.

There are two pathways for GPs to prescribe psychostimulant medicines for ADHD.

1. Individual Patient Approval

GPs can prescribe psychostimulants for a specific patient under a co-management or transfer-of-care arrangement with a paediatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist.

• This requires an individual application and approval process for each patient.
• Practitioners can apply online for an individual patient approval through the SafeScript NSW portal.
• Approvals last for 12 months.

2. Become a Continuation Prescriber

GPs who complete an approved ADHD training course can for a General Authority Continuation Prescriber (GACP) number.

This allows GPs to prescribe psychostimulant medication for eligible patients aged six years and over who have been diagnosed and stablised by a specialist, without requiring an individual patient approval. Continuation prescribers can also make minor dose adjustments and switch between formulations of the same medication type.  

To eligible GPs must:

• Complete an endorsed training program

• Have an established ongoing therapeutic relationship with the patient for >12 months, or be likely to provide the majority of GP services to the patient in the following 12 months.
• Prescribe methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and lisdexamphetamine in line with NSW Government criteria for the management of medications for ADHD by continuation prescribers.

Why Become a Continuation Prescriber?

Becoming a continuation prescriber has benefits for both patients and GPs:

• Less administration — no need for annual patient-specific approvals.
• Better continuity of care within general practice.
• Improved patient access to treatment.
• Reduced demand on specialist services.

A single authority covering all eligible patients.

For more information on ADHD shared care and local implementation, please contact:

• SLHD- ADHD Clinical Nurse Consultant, Jessica Porter jessica.porter@health.nsw.gov.au
• SESLHD- ADHD Transition Service Clinical Nurse Consultant, Rebecca Kelly Rebecca.Kelly1@health.nsw.gov.au