SA has announced new GP ADHD prescribing laws that will be near identical to most of Australia’s other states.
South Australia has become the latest state to announce major reforms that will allow GPs to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD.
The ACT, Victoria and Tasmania also plan to introduce near-identical reforms to legislation already established in Queensland, NSW and WA.
GPs in SA have welcomed the reforms, which they say will allow for greater patient access to care.
“An ADHD assessment and diagnosis can cost thousands of dollars and months of waiting,” RACGP SA chair Dr Siân Goodson said.
“Health data shows families in more rural and lower socioeconomic status areas are missing out on this care at significantly higher rates.”
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Dr Goodson said GPs with an interest in ADHD would be supported by appropriate clinical guidelines and well-placed to provide an assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care.
“Early intervention for children with ADHD sets children up for success at school and throughout their lives,” she said.
“For adults, a diagnosis and access to treatment by a GP who knows you can be life-changing.
“By allowing GPs to work to our full scope in ADHD, the South Australian Government is making our health system fairer and more equitable for patients.”
Additional training will be available by 2026.
Patients are expected to face shorter diagnosis wait times and cheaper overall treatment under a GP-led model.
The change is also expected to assist in addressing gaps in accessibility for ADHD care for outer metropolitan and regional areas.
“We know many South Australians currently face lengthy wait times and huge costs to access a diagnosis and treatment,” SA health minister Chris Picton said.
“Children can struggle academically and socially as a result of ADHD and we want to reduce any delays in them receiving help.
Recently released AIHW data has shown that rural and lower socioeconomic communities often miss out on this care.
“These game-changing reforms will improve the lives of children and adults across the state,” Mr Picton said.
“People’s access to this important health care should not be determined by their postcode or their bank balance.
“Likewise we should allow our specialist GPs to practise at the top of their scope of practice.”
As part of their training, GPs will be supported by the appropriate clinical guidelines to ensure an accurate assessment, diagnosis and ongoing care.
“For patients living with ADHD, that supports them to thrive throughout different life stages, from early childhood to school, to university or training, to their careers and as they form families of their own,” RACGP child and young person’s health chair Dr Tim Jones said.
“Being able to prescribe for ADHD is key, but patients with ADHD also benefit from care to help them maintain sleep hygiene, manage screen time, manage behaviour and receive counselling when needed, and provide and receive support with peers.”
