NSW breaks ADHD bottleneck with expanded scope of practice for GPs

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled reforms to allow general practitioners (GPs) in New South Wales to diagnose and treat people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a move aimed at breaking long-standing barriers to timely and affordable treatment.

Currently, patients must typically see a specialist for diagnosis, ongoing care, and medication, an often costly process with wait times stretching months or even years. The new approach shifts that bottleneck, enabling GPs to step in with accredited training and support.

“By safely training more GPs to treat and diagnose ADHD, we are hoping to break the cycle of people having to wait years for, what can be, a life-altering diagnosis,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns. “Not getting diagnosed and not being able to access treatment can have a particularly big impact on a child getting the most out of their life, whether that’s academically or socially.”

The staged rollout of the reforms will begin with a focus on enabling prescription management for children, one of the most affected groups under the current system.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “We’re not going to stand idly by while people struggle to access life-changing treatment. The option to see a GP to manage ADHD will provide a timely, safe and appropriate pathway to care, while relieving pressure on in-demand specialists.”

Under the initiative, interested GPs will be able to undertake one of two accredited training or registration tiers. Up to 1,000 GPs are expected to be supported through the training – funded by NSW Health – allowing them to continue prescriptions once a patient’s condition has stabilised. Additional mentorship and resources will also be made available to support implementation across the state.

RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman welcomed the changes, citing the unacceptable burden faced by families.

“As I travel across New South Wales, I hear from my colleagues about families in rural areas who travel more than seven hours to see a paediatrician, and of families in Sydney spending more than $5,000 on assessments and diagnosis for ADHD. This announcement will have life-changing impacts when it comes to accessing timely and affordable ADHD care for families across the state,” said Dr Hoffman.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia also applauded the decision, calling it a win for patients and a step towards a more integrated, patient-centred model of care.

“This important decision by the Minns Government and NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, will ensure patients are able to access the treatment and support they need without costly referrals or long waits. This is a real win for patients,” said Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

“After the Cormack Scope of Practice review recommendations, all health practitioners should work to the full extent of their skills, ability and training. This will stop old and outdated systems blocking patients’ care where and when they need it most. A truly patient directed health system relies on all practitioners – including GPs, pharmacists and nurses being empowered.”

The reforms come amid ongoing national concerns over ADHD medication shortages, which the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has acknowledged are likely to persist until the end of the year.

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