R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-16-5: Rules of procedure.

(a) The judges of the district court shall make such orders and rules as they deem necessary concerning the hearing and determination of small claims, including suitable forms of procedure in such cases.

(b) The chief judge of the district court shall be authorized to establish a system of mandatory mediation for all small claims actions other than actions relating to book accounts for a sum certain. The judges of the district court shall be authorized to make such rules as may be necessary for the establishment of said mandatory mediation system.