The VA public access plan has been in effect since October 1, 2015. All VA investigators conducting VA-funded research are required to:

• Develop prospective data management plans for that research - DMPs must describe the mechanisms for providing public access to the data in digital format.
• Make publicly access all publications reporting the results of VA-funded research.
• Include a data management plan describing the mechanisms for providing public access to the digital data resulting from the research.

Requirements for public access to scientific publications will apply to all publications reporting the results of VA-funded research.

Including appropriate costs for publication and data access and management will be required in proposals to the VA for grant funding.