R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-50-1: Declaration of policy.

It is recognized and declared that the publicizing, selling, and administering of courses of instruction by correspondence schools or home study courses, whether given in residence or by mail, proceed in accordance with acceptable practices and with consequent and important benefits to students pursuing these courses. It also is recognized that the benefits received from this instruction should be enhanced and the protection of those persons and institutions offering it should be established. It is the purpose of this chapter to supplement the general law of fraud so as to provide adequate protection for students, educational institutions, and the general public.