R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.5-3: Powers and duties of the department of health.

In addition to any other powers and duties conferred by this chapter, the department of health shall:

(1) Be responsible for the policy management and administration of the state DNA database and state DNA databank;

(2) Promulgate rules and regulations, within one hundred and eighty (180) days of June 29, 1998, to carry out the provisions of this chapter; and

(3) Provide for liaison with the F.B.I. and other criminal justice agencies in regard to the state’s participation in CODIS or in any DNA database designated by the department of health.