ADHD Care Pledge

A COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE STIMULANT MEDICATION MANAGEMENT

Stimulant misuse is a public health issue that has received increased concern with the proliferation of telehealth care in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Stimulant medications can alleviate debilitating symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals living with ADHD. Stimulants are also among one of the most misused prescription drugs and have a high potential for abuse. Lavender strives to balance the appropriate use of stimulant medication for individuals with ADHD, with the risk of abuse, misuse, and diversion.

As a Lavender Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Psych NP), the immediate and long-term health of each client is my highest priority. I make the following commitment to my colleagues and to those in my care and pledge to reduce stimulant overprescribing, misuse, abuse, and diversion. 

I will commit to: 

  • Ensuring all clients are thoroughly evaluated at the initiation of treatment, and ongoing 

  • Maintaining awareness of healthcare trends, in particular those related to ADHD overprescribing, misuse, abuse, and diversion

  • Recognizing that clinical decision making lies in the hands of the Psych NP, and not all those who seek a stimulant medication will be appropriate for that treatment

  • Reducing potentially avoidable stimulant prescriptions when other options may suffice

  • Providing education to clients,, families, and communities about the risks of stimulant use and misuse

  • Communicating any concerns and feedback around stimulant prescribing to the Lavender leadership team

I hereby pledge to hold myself to the principles of the ADHD Care Pledge, and the highest ethical standards as a psychiatric mental health professional regarding stimulant medication management.