Which professionals can act as authorized personnel to access the database?

Authorized personnel of the board, such as for investigations, is the correct answer because they are designated by law to access specific databases for regulatory purposes. Their role includes ensuring compliance with pharmacy laws and regulations, monitoring for misconduct, and gathering information related to the practice of pharmacy. This access is critical for maintaining the integrity of pharmacy operations and ensuring public safety.

The other options do not have the legal authority or specific purpose that justifies access to sensitive pharmacy databases. Sales representatives from pharmaceutical companies generally do not have a role in regulatory oversight or investigations, and their access is restricted to protect patient privacy and data integrity. Anyone with a healthcare degree is too broad a classification; not all healthcare professionals have the right to access protected data without specific authorization. Similarly, optional staff from participating pharmacies would not have the necessary legal standing unless they are specifically authorized personnel as determined by regulatory bodies.