The "board of directors" of each Provincial Regulatory Authority (PRA) is composed of elected pharmacists, members of the public appointed by the provincial government and often, the Dean of the province's Faculty of Pharmacy. This Board or Council is responsible for setting general policy and the overall direction of the PRA.

The day-to-day operation of the PRA is the responsibility of the Registrar, the chief operating officer reporting to the President and/or the Board. Registrars, acting within policies established by the Council or Board, are granted certain powers under provincial legislation for such activities as the granting of licenses, inspection and investigatory procedures, and disciplinary measures.

There are basic functions which all PRAs are mandated to carry out in the public interest, including:

• Assessing credentials of applicants to enter the practise of pharmacy and the licensing of pharmacists
• Issuing licenses for and monitoring of, the operation of pharmacies
• Receiving and addressing complaints about pharmacists from the public
• Ensuring that citizens receive safe and appropriate pharmacy services through the inspection of pharmacies and the investigation of pharmacist practises
• Application of disciplinary measures to members, when warranted