Victorian GPs Gain Easier Access to ADHD Prescribing
04 Nov 2026
The change applies to dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate prescribed for patients with ADHD who are not drug dependent.
Under the new rules, GPs and nurse practitioners must have a valid ADHD treatment instruction from a paediatrician, psychiatrist or ADHD practitioner before prescribing these medicines.
RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz welcomed the change, saying the college had been calling for these reforms for two years. She described the decision as an important result of its advocacy.
The Victorian Department of Health said the changes aim to improve access to ADHD treatment and reduce paperwork for healthcare professionals while maintaining patient safety through SafeScript.
However, permits are still required when prescribing psychostimulants to patients who are drug dependent or when treating conditions other than ADHD.
Previously, permits lasted for two years. Patients then needed a specialist review, and GPs had to apply for a new permit through SafeScript with a supporting letter from a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Dr Muñoz said the permit system had become overwhelmed as more people sought ADHD treatment across Victoria.
She also highlighted the administrative pressure on GPs, explaining that removing the permit requirement for eligible patients would reduce paperwork for both practitioners and patients.
The new ADHD treatment instruction must include details about the specialist, the patient and the date it was issued.
It will remain valid until the review date set by the paediatrician, psychiatrist or ADHD practitioner, if one is provided. This removes the previous requirement for a review every two years.
Psychostimulants are commonly used to treat ADHD. Australian data shows that 87% of ADHD prescriptions dispensed during 2023–24 were for these medicines.
Although these treatments can be effective, they may cause serious side effects in some patients. These include cardiovascular problems, psychosis, mania, misuse and dependence. Careful monitoring remains important.
Dr Muñoz stressed that removing the permit requirement does not remove other prescribing responsibilities. Clinicians must still check SafeScript every time they prescribe a controlled medicine.
From 1 December 2026, ADHD treatment instructions must also include the prescribed medicine's name, dose, frequency and maximum dose, along with details of the patient's ADHD diagnosis.
GPs should not prescribe psychostimulants if the treatment instruction is missing or does not contain the required information.
Existing specialist letters can continue to be used if they already include all the necessary details.
The Victorian Department of Health has also confirmed that GPs can continue prescribing under existing permits until they expire. They do not need to cancel current permits or arrange another specialist referral solely to obtain an ADHD treatment instruction.
Once an existing permit expires, a valid ADHD treatment instruction will be needed to continue prescribing under the new arrangements.
GPs with pending permit applications that are no longer required have been asked to cancel them to avoid unnecessary processing.
Victorian GPs Gain Easier Access to ADHD Prescribing
Source: Victorian Department of Health and RACGP newsGP.