New system to control prescription of stimulants

1/8/03 Western Australia's spiralling use of stimulants will be more tightly controlled under a new regulatory scheme introduced today, Health Minister Jim McGinty said.

1/8/03
Western Australia's spiralling use of stimulants will be more tightly controlled under a new regulatory scheme introduced today, Health Minister Jim McGinty said.
Mr McGinty said the new Stimulant Regulatory Scheme would require specialists to register with the Department of Health before prescribing stimulants for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
In 2002, some 20,000 adults and children were prescribed stimulants in WA.
"WA has the highest rate of legal stimulant use in the country and this is increasing more rapidly than any other State," the Minister said.
"Until now, many specialists could treat people with ADHD/ADD with stimulants without authorisation by the Department of Health, which limited the information collected on the prescribing of stimulants.
"The new system ensures that all patients prescribed stimulants are notified to the Department of Health which will use the information to understand the patterns of use in WA.
"This move will provide a better healthcare service for all Western Australians."
Department officers have been working closely with specialists in the development of the new scheme.
Stimulants are prescribed mainly for ADHD and ADD, but are also used to treat narcolepsy, brain damage and depression.
Commonwealth health statistics show that WA prescribes 40 grams of stimulants per 1000 people, whereas the national average is only just over 16 grams.
Mr McGinty said the new monitoring system should provide answers about the trends in stimulant use and strengthen control over the drug use.
The new regulations include the following elements:

  • specialists must be registered with the Department of Health before being permitted to prescribe stimulants;
  • stimulants can be prescribed where the patient's situation meets specific guidelines; and
  • the prescriber must notify the Department of Health at the time of first prescription for new patients and when a patient's treatment changes.
In the cases when a patient is diagnosed with ADHD but does not meet the treatment guidelines, an assessment panel of paediatricians, psychiatrists and senior Department of Health officials will advise the Commissioner of Health on allowing stimulant use.
Mr McGinty said the new system would be trialed for three years, at which time its effectiveness would be re-assessed.

Minister's office: 9220 5000