GPs and nurse practitioners will soon be able to diagnose and treat patients with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it has been announced.
Under the current system, GPs and nurses can only prescribe ADHD stimulant medicines on a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist or after the patient has already been previously diagnosed with ADHD.
Pharmac’s acting director of advice and assessment Catherine Epps said that the new rules decided by Pharmac and Medsafe will mean that, over time, more GPs and nurses will be able to diagnose people with ADHD and start treatment.
“The decision, which is based on feedback from psychiatrists, paediatricians, GPs, nurse practitioners and patients, is one of many changes we are making to increase access to ADHD medicines,” said Epps.
For children and adolescents, the changes will enable nurse practitioners working within child health or mental health services to diagnose and initiate treatment for ADHD.
Medsafe group manager Chris James said that New Zealand has a workforce of highly experienced GPs and nurse practitioners, with many already working closely with specialists to treat patients with ADHD.
“Implementing this change will mean they can do this work more quickly and efficiently without needing to wait for approval from a specialist,” James said.
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey applauded the decision and said it was a step forward for patient support and system efficiency.
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“This is a common-sense change that will make a meaningful difference in many lives of New Zealanders,” Doocey said.
“I have heard stories of many people with ADHD who have been unable to get a diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner because of long wait items and costs associated with seeing a specialist.”
Earlier this year, Medsafe and Pharmac received feedback from more than 940 people and organisations on the proposed change.
The Ministry of Health said that most of the feedback was supportive, and people believed the decision would improve access to diagnosis and treatment.
However, some people were concerned about supply issues affecting the availability of methylphenidate. To address this, health agencies have delayed the implementation date from July 2025 to February 2026.
This will also allow GPs and nurse practitioners more time to develop further clinical expertise in ADHD.
Doocey said that the Ministry of Health is working with sector representatives to develop a clinical principles framework for the assessment and treatment of ADHD which will ensure quality and consistency for supporting patients.
“We have heard your feedback loud and clear, and we know the positive impact this decision will have on many people’s ability to access what is often life-changing medicines.”
