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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ACT Government Launches Pilot Program to Expand GP Scope of Practice for ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Australian National Party and the ACT Government are collaborating to improve access to healthcare services for individuals and families navigating ADHD diagnoses. As part of the 'One Government, One Voice' program, the ACT is transitioning its website to a new platform. The ACT Government has opened Expressions of Interest (EOI) for General Practitioners (GPs) to manage and prescribe medications and diagnose ADHD in the ACT. This pilot program is designed to increase accessibility, timeliness, and equity in healthcare services for patients with ADHD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ACT Government has launched a pilot program to expand the role of General Practitioners (GPs) in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
  • The program aims to improve affordability and support timely access to assessment and treatment for patients with ADHD.
  • The Expressions of Interest (EOI) process is seeking GPs who are interested in managing and prescribing medications for ADHD, as well as those who want to diagnose the condition.
  • The pilot program will expand on the ACT's existing continuation prescribing provisions, which allow a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or neurologist to hand over prescribing to a GP for patients over the age of four.
  • Participating GPs will be required to complete specific further training to ensure the safe and effective implementation of this expanded scope of practice.
  • The ACT Government is working with the Federal Government and other jurisdictions to achieve a nationally consistent approach to expanding GP scope of practice for ADHD diagnosis and medication management.

Statistics:

  • 2 years: the duration of the continuation prescribing provisions enabling a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or neurologist to hand over prescribing to a GP.
  • 4 years: the age at which patients are eligible for the continuation prescribing provisions.
  • The number of patients and families that the pilot program aims to support is not specified.

Sources:

  • Australian National Party
  • ACT Government's 'One Government, One Voice' program
  • Statement by Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith
  • MIL-OSI News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
  • Contify.com - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd.

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