ADHD Assessment · ACT
Continuation active Feb 2026
ADHD Assessment
in ACT
The ACT introduced a Standing CHO Approval for ADHD continuation prescribing on 11 February 2026. Stable patients aged 6 and over with an existing specialist diagnosis can have their medication managed by a GP. Full GP-led diagnosis and initiation is expected later in 2026 as Stage 2.
Feb 2026
Continuation prescribing start
6+
Minimum patient age
Later 2026
Stage 2 (diagnosis)
100%
Telehealth available
The ACT moved quickly on ADHD prescribing reform. On 11 February 2026, a Standing Chief Health Officer Approval came into effect, allowing GPs to continue prescribing stimulant medication for stable patients aged 6 and over who have an existing specialist diagnosis. The ACT requires electronic prescribing through the Canberra Script system. Full GP-led diagnosis and initiation (Stage 2) is expected later in 2026.
In this article
The reform
What changed in the ACT
On 11 February 2026, the ACT Chief Health Officer issued a Standing Approval allowing GPs to continue prescribing stimulant medication for ADHD patients aged 6 and over. The patient must have an existing diagnosis from a specialist (psychiatrist or paediatrician) and be on a stable dose.
The ACT is one of the smallest jurisdictions but moved faster than most states on continuation prescribing. The Standing CHO Approval means GPs do not need to apply for individual patient approvals. They can prescribe under the standing authority as long as they meet the conditions.
A key requirement is the use of Canberra Script, the ACT’s electronic prescribing and monitoring system. All stimulant prescriptions must be written through this system, providing real-time monitoring of Schedule 8 prescribing across the territory.
GPs can diagnose
Not yet (Stage 2)
GPs can initiate medication
Not yet (Stage 2)
GPs can continue prescriptions
Yes (CHO)
Sources: ACT Government ADHD prescribing page. ACT media release, February 2026.
Requirements
Standing CHO Approval requirements
To prescribe under the Standing CHO Approval, GPs must meet several conditions. The patient must be aged 6 or over, have an existing specialist diagnosis, and be on a stable stimulant dose. The GP must have access to the specialist’s diagnostic report and treatment plan.
All prescriptions must be written through Canberra Script, the ACT’s electronic prescribing system. This is mandatory and there is no paper-based alternative for Schedule 8 stimulant prescribing in the ACT.
Stage 2, which will allow GPs to independently diagnose ADHD and initiate stimulant medication, is expected later in 2026. The details of Stage 2 training requirements have not yet been finalised.
Is this for you?
Who this service is designed for
The ACT continuation pathway is for patients aged 6 and over who already have a specialist ADHD diagnosis and are on stable medication.
- You have an existing ADHD diagnosis and are on stable stimulant medication
- Your specialist has discharged you and you need a local GP to continue prescribing
- You have moved to Canberra from another state and need local prescribing
- You suspect ADHD and want to register interest for when GP-led diagnosis opens (Stage 2)
- You live in Canberra, Queanbeyan, or the surrounding ACT region
Telehealth appointments are available across the ACT. Canberra, Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, or the surrounding region. The ACT is compact, but telehealth means no travel at all.
The process
How the assessment works
You do most of the preparation at home, at your own pace. Your GP gets a structured clinical summary before the appointment, so consultation time is spent on assessment, not paperwork. Medicare rebates on eligible items.
1
Step 1
Book online and complete your intake at home
Validated questionnaires (ASRS v1.1, WFIRS), personal and developmental history, and an observer nomination. All completed online at your own pace.
No charge
2
Step 2
GP reviews your clinical summary
Your GP receives your intake results and any existing specialist reports before the consultation. Appointment time is spent on clinical assessment.
3
Step 3
Consultation (telehealth or in person)
Your GP discusses the findings, confirms the diagnosis or refers for further assessment, and explains next steps including medication options if indicated.
4
Step 4
Ongoing care and monitoring
Short check-ins to adjust dosage, monitor side effects, and renew scripts. Follow-up frequency depends on your treatment stability.
Interstate prescribing
Can ACT patients fill interstate GP scripts?
Likely yes. No explicit prohibition on dispensing interstate Schedule 8 prescriptions has been found in ACT legislation. The script must meet ACT format requirements.
The ACT has its own continuation pathway active since February 2026, using a Standing Chief Health Officer Approval. Full GP-initiated diagnosis and prescribing is expected later in 2026 as Stage 2 training rolls out.
In the meantime, ACT patients who need a first-time ADHD assessment through a GP may be able to access GPs from states where prescribing is already active (Queensland and South Australia) via telehealth. Check with your local pharmacy that they will dispense an interstate script before booking.
The table below shows the interstate dispensing position for all states.
| Patient’s state | Accepts interstate GP S8 script? | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Yes | QLD GPs prescribe under S8 authority |
| New South Wales | No | Requires NSW authority number on script. No interstate pathway. |
| Victoria | Yes | Accepts interstate S8 scripts from AHPRA-registered practitioners |
| South Australia | Yes (with verification) | Pharmacist must verify script. ScriptCheckSA must be checked. |
| Western Australia | Unclear | Interstate GP position not settled. Check with local pharmacy or WA Health. |
| Tasmania | Yes (from Feb 2026) | Explicitly accepts interstate psychostimulant scripts |
| ACT | Likely yes | No explicit prohibition found. Script must meet ACT format requirements. |
| Northern Territory | Grey area for GPs | Specialist scripts accepted. GP scripts ambiguous. Contact NT Poisons Control. |
Based on ACT Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008 and ACT Health guidance. No explicit prohibition on interstate S8 dispensing found as of April 2026. Confirm with your pharmacy.
Comparison
GP pathway vs psychiatrist: a comparison
| GP pathway (ACT) | Psychiatrist | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | Not yet available for new diagnosis | 6 to 12 months |
| Referral needed | No (for continuation) | Yes (GP referral) |
| Telehealth available | Yes, all of ACT | Limited availability |
| Medicare rebate | Yes (standard GP items) | Yes (specialist items) |
| Can diagnose ADHD | Not yet (Stage 2, later 2026) | Yes |
| Can initiate stimulants | Not yet (Stage 2, later 2026) | Yes |
| Can continue stimulants | Yes (Standing CHO Approval, since Feb 2026) | Yes |
Our network
We are building our GP network in ACT
We are recruiting GPs in ACT who are trained or training in ADHD prescribing. If you are a GP interested in joining our network, register your interest.
National comparison
ADHD GP prescribing in other states
| State | Diagnose? | Initiate stimulants? | Continue? | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active since Dec 2025 |
| South Australia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active since Feb 2026 |
| New South Wales | Stage 2 (training) | Expected mid-late 2026 | Yes | 749 continuation prescribers |
| Victoria | In training | Expected late 2026 | Yes (S8 permit) | 150 GPs target by Sep 2026 |
| Western Australia | In training | After co-management | Yes | 65 GPs target by end 2026 |
| ACT | Later 2026 (Stage 2) | Later 2026 | Yes (Standing CHO) | Continuation active Feb 2026 |
| Tasmania | Not yet | Not yet | Yes (with authorisation) | Committed, details in dev |
| Northern Territory | No | No | Limited (S8 permit) | No reform announced |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in the ACT?
Not yet. The current Standing CHO Approval (since 11 February 2026) only covers continuation prescribing for patients with an existing specialist diagnosis. GP-led diagnosis is expected in Stage 2, later in 2026.
What is the Standing CHO Approval?
A standing authority from the ACT Chief Health Officer that allows GPs to continue prescribing stimulant medication for stable ADHD patients aged 6 and over, without needing individual patient-by-patient approval.
Do I need to use Canberra Script?
Your GP does. All stimulant prescriptions in the ACT must be written through the Canberra Script electronic prescribing system. As a patient, you do not need to do anything different. Your GP manages the system.
What age groups does the ACT pathway cover?
Patients aged 6 and over with an existing specialist diagnosis and stable medication.
When will ACT GPs be able to diagnose ADHD?
Stage 2 (GP-led diagnosis and initiation) is expected later in 2026. Training requirements and implementation details have not been finalised.
Does Medicare cover GP ADHD consultations in the ACT?
Yes. GP consultations are billed under standard Medicare items. You receive the same Medicare rebate as any other GP appointment.
ADHD articles for ACT patients
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ACT · Telehealth · Medicare rebates
Register your interest for ADHD assessment in the ACT
GP continuation prescribing is active in the ACT. Full GP-led diagnosis is coming later in 2026. Register to be connected with a trained GP in your area.
Or call to discuss your options first.