NIH Public Access Policy  

The NIH Public Access Policy ensures that the public has access to the published results of NIH funded research. Effective April 7, 2008, the NIH Public Access Policy requires that all peer-reviewed articles arising from NIH funds are submitted to PubMed Central upon acceptance for publication.  

To help advance science and improve human and animal health, the Policy requires that these papers are accessible to the public in PubMed Central no later than 12 months after publication.

NIH further requires investigators to include the PubMed Central reference number (PMCID) in all subsequent NIH grant applications, proposals, and progress reports as evidence of compliance.

NIH Public Access Policy Fact Sheet (Feb 2012) discusses the implications of the policy.

1. Determine Applicability [NIH]
   Does the NIH Public Access Policy apply to your manuscript?
   
   
2. Address Copyright
   Make sure your publishing agreement allows your work to be posted to PubMed Central (PMC).
   
   
3. Determine the "Journal Method"
   In Journal Methods A & B, the publisher submits the manuscript to PMC and approves the public release. In Journal Methods C & D, the manuscript goes through the NIH Manuscript Submission system, and you approve the public release.
   
   
4. Cite PMCIDs in Reports and Applications
   Include the PMCID at the end of the full citation in your application or report. The PMCID is your evidence of compliance.