Latest news with #CatherineEpps
1News
17 hours ago
- Health
- 1News
GPs, nurses able to diagnose, treat ADHD from next year
GPs and nurse practitioners will soon be able to diagnose and treat patients with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it has been announced. Under the current system, GPs and nurses can only prescribe ADHD stimulant medicines on a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist or after the patient has already been previously diagnosed with ADHD. Pharmac's acting director of advice and assessment Catherine Epps said that the new rules decided by Pharmac and Medsafe will mean that, over time, more GPs and nurses will be able to diagnose people with ADHD and start treatment. "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," said Epps. For children and adolescents, the changes will enable nurse practitioners working within child health or mental health services to diagnose and initiate treatment for ADHD. ADVERTISEMENT Medsafe group manager Chris James said that New Zealand has a workforce of highly experienced GPs and nurse practitioners, with many 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," James said. Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey applauded the decision and said it was a step forward for patient support and system efficiency. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds including Iran's retaliation, Auckland Council's catering cost, and the new way to look deep into space. (Source: 1News) "This is a common-sense change that will make a meaningful difference in many lives of New Zealanders," Doocey said. "I have heard stories of many people with ADHD who have been unable to get a diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner because of long wait items and costs associated with seeing a specialist." Earlier this year, Medsafe and Pharmac received feedback from more than 940 people and organisations on the proposed change. ADVERTISEMENT The Ministry of Health said that most of the feedback was supportive, and people believed the decision would improve access to diagnosis and treatment. However, some people were concerned about supply issues affecting the availability of methylphenidate. To address this, health agencies have delayed the implementation date from July 2025 to February 2026. This will also allow GPs and nurse practitioners more time to develop further clinical expertise in ADHD. Doocey said that the Ministry of Health is working with sector representatives to develop a clinical principles framework for the assessment and treatment of ADHD which will ensure quality and consistency for supporting patients. "We have heard your feedback loud and clear, and we know the positive impact this decision will have on many people's ability to access what is often life-changing medicines."
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
GPs And Nurse Practitioners Able To Start ADHD Treatment From Next Year
From February 2026, general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners will be able to start medical treatment for adults with ADHD, following decisions by Medsafe and Pharmac. This is a change to the current system, under which GPs and nurse practitioners can only prescribe ADHD stimulant medicines to patients on a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or after someone has already been diagnosed with ADHD and given a first prescription. Pharmac's Acting Director Advice and Assessment, Catherine Epps says the new rules, which come into effect in February 2026, will mean that over time, more GPs and nurse practitioners will be able to diagnose and start adults on treatment for ADHD. For children and adolescents, who currently require input from a paediatrician or psychiatrist to initiate medical treatment for ADHD, the changes will allow nurse practitioners, working within child health or mental health services, to diagnose and start treatment for ADHD. '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. It follows our decision last year to remove the two-yearly renewal criteria for these medicines, making it easier to access ongoing treatment,' says Epps. Medsafe Group Manager Chris James says the change draws on the skills of GPs and nurse practitioners to improve access to ADHD treatment for the public. 'We have a workforce of highly experienced general practitioners and nurse practitioners, a number of whom are 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,' says Chris James. Earlier this year, Medsafe and Pharmac asked for feedback on the proposal to change the regulatory and funding restrictions for stimulant treatments for ADHD. More than 940 people and organisations responded to the consultation. Overall, most of the feedback was supportive. People explained how this decision will improve access to diagnosis and treatment for people with ADHD. Some were concerned about the supply issues affecting methylphenidate, and the impact this decision would have on it. To respond to these concerns, health agencies have delayed the implementation date of the decision. It will now come into effect in February 2026, rather than July 2025. This will also allow more time for more GP and nurse practitioners to develop further clinical expertise to begin assessing adults for ADHD and initiating their treatment.
