Eligible patients will no longer need repeated reviews by a psychiatrist, pediatrician, or neurologist to access ADHD medications.

Canberra general practitioners who have completed approved training can now prescribe the drug instead for people who are stable on their ADHD medication, are over the age of six, and have a pre-existing diagnosis from a relevant professional.

It will also remove the need for GPs to obtain 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 bookings, and removing unnecessary administrative burdens.

“Families and individuals living with ADHD can face barriers to receiving treatment,” she says.

“[These changes] Prescribing ADHD medication is the first step in an approach to better support ADHD care in ACT. ”

Other changes include a requirement for psychiatrists, paediatricians and neurologists to obtain chief health officer approval to prescribe ADHD drugs to patients within established dosage ranges.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) ACT President Dr Kerry Aust described the simplified treatment pathway as a “sensible reform”.

“[It] “This reflects both clinical reality and the desire from patients and families for timely assessment and better access to treatment,” she said.

“Importantly, this change maintains appropriate safeguards and recognizes the role of GPs as core healthcare providers. We look forward to its implementation and evaluation, and look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to Canberrans who have long sought a more responsive and streamlined system.”

General practitioners in the ACT who choose not to expand their scope of practice in ADHD can prescribe medications for the treatment of ADHD in collaborative treatment arrangements with pediatricians, psychiatrists, and neurologists.

ADHD is estimated to affect 6-10 per cent of Australian children and young people and 2-10 per cent of adults.

Royal Australian GP (RACGP) NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebecca Hoffman said the changes were an important step towards improving access to timely treatment for people with ADHD.

“These updates will make a measurable difference for patients and families who often face long wait times to see a specialist,” she said.

“By allowing trained GPs to continue prescribing to stable patients within a clear clinical framework, we can ensure that people receive timely, consistent and accessible care.”

This was an election promise to expand the role of GPs in diagnosing and treating ADHD, and further changes are on the horizon.

“Further reforms will come into force later this year, allowing GPs with additional training to diagnose ADHD and start patients on medication,” Ms Stephen Smith said.

“These changes will improve access to timely treatment and reduce pressure on the healthcare system, while ensuring prescription safety and supporting appropriate monitoring.”

Dr Hoffman previously said it was “premature” to recognize the role GPs can play in diagnosing and managing ADHD.

“Specialists are well supported by appropriate prescribing guidelines and general practitioners have successfully supported children with ADHD in Queensland for eight years,” she said.

“We manage a wide range of chronic conditions throughout a patient’s life, and ADHD is fundamentally no different. Our role in providing continuous and comprehensive care puts GPs in the perfect position to support patients with ADHD.”

More information is available at: ACT government or health direct.