We are increasingly asked to prescribe medication for ADHD following assessment and treatment by a private (non-NHS) provider.
Shared care arrangements allow prescribing to be continued in general practice following initiation and stabilisation of medication by an appropriate specialist. Any shared care arrangement must be clinically appropriate and comply with relevant local guidance and professional requirements.
Where a patient has been assessed by a private provider, we may consider entering into a Shared Care Agreement (SCA) for ongoing ADHD medication where the following requirements are met:
- The diagnosing and prescribing clinician is appropriately registered with the GMC and is on the relevant Specialist Register, where required.
- An appropriate specialist assessment has been undertaken and sufficient written clinical information has been provided to the practice.
- Appropriate baseline investigations and assessments have been completed, with ongoing monitoring arranged at the agreed intervals.
- The specialist remains responsible for any changes to the diagnosis or medication, including dose adjustments, and communicates these clearly to the practice.
- The proposed treatment and monitoring arrangements are consistent with relevant local guidance and are clinically appropriate.
Importantly, we cannot guarantee that we will enter into a Shared Care Agreement with a private provider simply because an ADHD diagnosis has been made or medication has been initiated. We must be satisfied that the requirements for shared care have been met and that it is appropriate for us to accept prescribing responsibility.
If you are considering paying for a private ADHD assessment, we strongly recommend that you check with the practice beforehand whether the provider and proposed shared care arrangements are likely to meet our requirements. This can help avoid a situation where you have paid for a private assessment and treatment but we are subsequently unable to accept prescribing responsibility.
If you have any questions about our shared care requirements, please contact the practice before proceeding with a private assessment.