R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.5-7: Experimentation.

If it is proposed that a patient be used in any human experimentation project, the patient shall first be thoroughly informed in writing of the proposal, and shall be offered the right to refuse to participate in the project. A patient who, after being thoroughly informed, wishes to participate, must execute a written statement of informed consent. The informed consent documentation shall be maintained on file in the facility.