New ADHD Prescribing Rules To Improve Access From 1 February

As of 1 February 2026, changes to New Zealand’s prescribing rules for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulant medicines have come into effect, expanding who can assess, diagnose and start people on treatment. These updates are designed to meet the needs of people living with ADHD across New Zealand by improving access and timeliness of care.

Previously, general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners could only prescribe ADHD medicines to patients with a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or after someone had already been diagnosed and had their first prescription.

Under the updated rules, vocationally registered specialist GPs and nurse practitioners working within their area of practice are able to start stimulant medicines for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

“If you are seeking an ADHD assessment, you do not need to do anything differently from 1 February. Your general practice is still your first port of call as they will know what services are available in your area,” Dr Jin Russell, Chief Clinical Advisor Child and Youth, says.

“This is about building the specialist workforce and pathways needed to support safe, thorough assessments.

“These services will not be available everywhere overnight, and not every GP will take this up, but for people seeking ADHD treatment , more pathways will be available.”

GPs and nurse practitioners with a special interest in ADHD and who have developed skills and expertise may also choose to offer assessments. ADHD assessment is complex and takes time therefore it will not be completed in a standard 15minute appointment.

“An assessment may take one to two hours and can be spread over more than one appointment. The cost of an assessment will also depend on the type of service offered, local funding arrangements, and the time taken for assessment and follow-up”.

Under the new rules, GPs and nurse practitioners can prescribe the publicly funded stimulant medicines for ADHD that are currently available. These include methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine.

“We know that the availability of ADHD stimulant medicines is important to consumers, clinicians, and pharmacists alike,” says Dr Russell. “Global shortages are ongoing due to high demand and limited manufacturing capacity. Pharmac is actively managing supply and exploring alternative brands and treatments to support increased demand.”

NOTES:

• A detailed Information Sheet with frequently asked questions is available on the Ministry of Health website. It outlines the changes, who can prescribe, and what a good ADHD assessment looks like.
• The New Zealand Clinical Principles Framework for ADHD published by the Ministry of Health clearly sets out expected standards for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD. It can be found here: New Zealand Clinical Principles Framework for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | Ministry of Health NZ
• For children and young people with suspected ADHD, assessment will still be through specialist clinics however, this change will allow nurse practitioners working within a multidisciplinary setting as part of paediatric or child and adolescent mental health services to diagnose and start treatment for ADHD.
• Access and timeliness of care are expected to gradually improve as more clinicians begin offering ADHD services. Clinicians with a specific interest in ADHD are expected to take up this role over time, with services developing gradually as practitioners build competence and confidence. Implementation is voluntary, and service availability will vary between regions and providers.
• Psychologists can also assess and make a diagnosis of ADHD and stimulants may then be prescribed by a GP or nurse practitioner as per these new rules.

© Scoop Media