R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1-13: Appropriations and disbursements.

The general assembly shall annually appropriate those sums for the purposes of this chapter that it deems necessary; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums, or so much of those sums as may from time to time be required, upon the receipt by him or her of proper vouchers authenticated by the director of health.