R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-2-16: Use of words referring to local health officers or local health boards — Meaning in general laws.

Whenever in the general laws the words “local health officers,” “health officer” or “board of health” or any other word or phrase connoting a local health board or local health officer is used, appropriate wording shall be substituted so as to vest the power and authority in the state department of health or the director of health; provided, however, that nothing contained in this section shall be construed or interpreted to mean that a city or town shall not appoint a health officer or some other official to carry out the provisions of chapter 9 of this title.