GPs and nurse practitioners will be able to diagnose and treat ADHD from February next year, the Ministry of Health says. 

The change has been long called for by GP groups and advocates as a way of increasing access and reducing huge wait times for patients seeking a diagnosis. 

At present, GPs can only prescribe ADHD stimulant medications to patients on the recommendation of a psychiatrist or paediatrician. 

The wait times for specialists can be up to a year, or longer for children. 

The ministry said today that Medsafe and Pharmac had changed the rules to allow GPs and nurse practitioners to take on these responsibilities, beginning in February. 

Pharmac’s acting director advice and assessment, Catherine Epps, said that over time more GPs and nurse practitioners would be able to diagnose and start adults on treatment for ADHD. 

Nurse practitioners working within child health or mental health services would be able to diagnose and treat the condition. 

“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,” Epps said. 

“It follows our decision last year to remove the two-yearly renewal criteria for these medicines, making it easier to access ongoing treatment.” 

Medsafe Group manager Chris James said a number of family doctors and nurses were 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.” 

“It’s important we ensure a high quality of ADHD assessment, and that people can expect to receive appropriate care and support. We have been working closely with sector representatives to develop a clinical framework which will set out principles for diagnosing and treating ADHD, including the appropriate clinical care required of healthcare practitioners.” 

More to come 

Isaac Davison is a senior reporter who covers Auckland issues. He joined the Herald in 2008 and has previously covered the environment, politics, social issues, and healthcare.