Tasmania expands GP role in ADHD care as demand for assessment and support continues to rise

Tasmania is moving to expand access to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment and treatment by enabling trained general practitioners (GPs) to diagnose, manage and initiate medication for children and adults with ADHD, in a reform the State Government says will improve access, reduce wait times and lower costs for families.

Training is now underway for Tasmanian GPs as part of an expanded scope of practice model, with almost 50 doctors attending the first workshop delivered through the Tasmanian Rural Health Conference in Devonport. Once training requirements are completed, participating GPs will be able to apply for authorisation to prescribe Schedule 8 ADHD medications for patients they have assessed and diagnosed.

The Tasmanian Government has described the initiative as a significant step toward improving access to ADHD care, particularly in regional and rural communities where access to paediatricians and psychiatrists can be limited.

Rising demand placing pressure on existing systems

The reform comes amid increasing demand for ADHD assessment and support services across Australia.

Families in many jurisdictions continue to report lengthy wait times, high out-of-pocket costs and difficulties accessing specialist assessment pathways, particularly for children and young people requiring timely intervention and support.

Tasmanian Health Minister Bridget Archer said the expanded GP model is intended to make diagnosis and treatment easier to access while supporting lifelong care closer to home.

Until now, Tasmanian GPs were able to continue prescriptions for patients already diagnosed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician, but were generally unable to independently assess, diagnose or initiate ADHD medication.

The first trained GPs are expected to begin operating under the expanded model within the coming month.

Earlier access may support children and families

The announcement is likely to attract interest across the early childhood and education sectors, where increasing attention has been placed on early identification of developmental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental differences.

Many children first display signs associated with ADHD during the early years, with educators, families and health professionals often working together to identify concerns and seek further assessment where appropriate.

While ADHD diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical assessment, many sector stakeholders have highlighted the importance of reducing delays in access to support, particularly where children may be experiencing challenges with attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, participation or learning.

Researchers and advocacy organisations have consistently noted that delayed assessment can impact children's educational experiences, social participation and wellbeing outcomes.

Shared-care model emphasised by medical groups

While the reform has been broadly welcomed as a way to improve access, medical organisations have also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong clinical safeguards and collaborative care pathways.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) Tasmania said improved access should be delivered through a shared-care model involving GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists, particularly for children and individuals with more complex presentations.

The AMA noted that ADHD assessment involves detailed clinical evaluation across multiple domains and should not be treated as a simple diagnostic process. It also highlighted the importance of ensuring GPs undertaking the work have access to specialist support, referral pathways and appropriate resourcing for longer and more complex consultations.

Similarly, GP representatives involved in the training have described continuity of care as one of the key benefits of the model, arguing that family doctors are often well positioned to support ongoing management because of their existing relationships with patients and families.

Growing focus on neurodevelopmental support

The Tasmanian initiative reflects a broader national trend toward improving access to neurodevelopmental assessment and support services.

Across Australia, governments, health systems and professional bodies continue exploring ways to address workforce shortages and specialist access challenges while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Within early childhood education and care, schools and allied health sectors, awareness of neurodiversity and developmental differences has continued to grow, alongside increasing discussion about inclusive practice, early intervention and family support.

As demand for ADHD services continues to rise, policymakers are likely to face ongoing questions about how to improve access to assessment and treatment while ensuring services remain evidence-based, clinically safe and responsive to the needs of children, young people and families.

Read the full media release here.