ADHD—GP training
617. Hon Rod Caddies to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to the ADHD GP training program that allows GPs to prescribe stimulant medications for ADHD to children aged 10 years and older and concerns about possible amphetamine dependency.
(1) Has the government received advice in relation to possible future amphetamine dependency for children who are prescribed ADHD medication?
(2) What support systems will the program include to ensure children prescribed these medications are protected from dependency risks?
(3) If no specific steps are required, why not?
Hon Pierre Yang replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided by Minister for Health.
(1)–(3) The current code for the administration of schedule 8 stimulant medications sets out the requirements for practitioners to assess patients before prescribing stimulant medication. As is currently the case, clinicians with child health expertise provide ongoing management of patients when clinically appropriate.
