Can Your GP Diagnose ADHD in NSW? (2026)

NSW is implementing GP ADHD reforms in two stages through the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI). The government has described these as "game-changing reforms" to reduce wait times and costs.

As of February 2026, Stage 1 is live and delivering real results. Stage 2 (full GP diagnosis) is expected to launch from March 2026.

GPs who complete the ACI training pathway can become "continuation prescribers." As of January 2026:

• 1,400+ GPs have been approved as continuation prescribers (as of mid-2026)
• Over 5,000 patients have already benefited
• Over 70,000 scripts have been filled (as of mid-2026)

• Continuation prescribers can:
• Continue existing stimulant prescriptions for patients who have already been diagnosed by a specialist and are stable on medication
• Manage ongoing ADHD medication without requiring repeated specialist reviews
• Cannot diagnose ADHD or initiate new stimulant prescriptions (yet)

This stage primarily benefits patients who are already diagnosed and stable, reducing the need for expensive specialist follow-up appointments just to renew prescriptions. It frees up specialist capacity for new diagnostic assessments.

GPs must work in an accredited practice and have completed the training course within the past 3 years.

The second stage will allow trained GPs to become "endorsed prescribers" who can:

• Diagnose ADHD in patients aged 6 and over
• Initiate stimulant medication for newly diagnosed patients
• Manage the full treatment pathway without mandatory specialist involvement

Training pathway: The endorsed prescriber training is expected to take 3-6 months to complete. Nearly 600 GPs have already expressed interest in this training. The NSW government has indicated that GPs in "areas of greatest need" will be prioritised for early training access, with priority GPs contacted from February 2026.

Timeline: Stage 2 is expected to launch from March 2026, though the exact date may depend on training completion rates. The government is actively accelerating the rollout.

• Right now (Stage 1 benefits):**
• If you're already diagnosed and stable on medication, ask your GP if they're a continuation prescriber — you may no longer need regular specialist appointments for script renewals
• This can save $200-$400+ per appointment in specialist gap fees

• From March 2026 (Stage 2):**
• New patients will be able to get a full ADHD assessment from a trained GP
• GP assessments are typically $80-$120 (often bulk-billed) vs $500-$800 for a psychiatrist
• Wait times for GP appointments are typically 1-4 weeks vs months for a specialist
• This won't eliminate the need for specialists entirely — complex cases and patients requiring doses above GP prescribing limits will still be referred

While waiting for Stage 2, NSW residents who suspect they have ADHD should:

• See your GP — they can provide a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist and create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare rebates
• Consider telehealth — providers in other states (including QLD GPs who can diagnose) may offer telehealth assessments. Check whether your state's prescribing regulations allow interstate telehealth prescribing.
• Join a waitlist now — if Stage 2 launches in March, training will take time. Specialist waitlists will remain the primary pathway for at least several more months.
• Compare telehealth options — telehealth ADHD assessment providers operate Australia-wide and often have shorter waits than local specialist waitlists.

For a full national comparison of GP ADHD diagnosis rules across all states, see our guide: Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?