New rules for prescribing stimulant medicines and diagnosing ADHD come into effect from 1 February 2026.

The Ministry of Health, Medsafe, and Pharmac have released information on these changes which we have made available on the medication shortages section of our website. 

Methylphenidate shortage updates (adhd.org.nz)

This includes who will be able to prescribe and diagnose, what age groups they can work with, what a good assessment looks like, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Some takeaway points for us include:

• General practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) with specific interest in ADHD will be able to prescribe stimulant medication and diagnoise adults (18 years and over)

.• Nurse practitioners working within paediatric services and child and adolescent mental health services will be able to start those 17 and under on stimulant medicines.

• Not all general practices will offer these services, and the changes are likely to happen gradually as clinicians train and build competence.

• There is no core funding for these services and costs may vary between providers

.• There are no government requirements for training or accreditation for GPs and NPs wishing to provide ADHD services but they are expected to do so as registered health practitioners.

• There is no additional government funding for education and training in ADHD, however professional bodies are developing training packages.

• Medication shortages are expected to continue into 2026 and Pharmac is taking steps to fund more medicines from more suppliers.

ADHD New Zealand is also in the process of developing resources based on the New Zealand Clinical Principles Framework for ADHD (health.org.nz) to help communities and clinicians understand what a good assessment looks like. We expect to have these ready in the new year.

Noho ora mai (stay well)