R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-113.3.1: Applications for work requiring licensed workers.

(a) Prior to the approval of a permit for which a state law requires licensed persons to be responsible for the plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire alarm work, the licensed person(s) shall show the building official a recognized form of identification from the state licensing boards and sign the permit. The local official may verify the work is being done properly in the following manner:

(1) The local official may at any time request the workers on the project to show proof of his or her license to perform the work, or

(2) If the worker is not a licensed person, then the local official may take whatever remedial actions allowed by the code pertaining to the improper work found in violation. The workers found to be doing work without a valid Rhode Island license shall be reported to the appropriate licensing board for sanctions and penalties.

(b) The owner/occupant of a single family dwelling shall be exempt from the requirements of subsection (a), but must obtain a permit, be inspected by the local official in accordance with the provisions of the code, and obtain approval of the work prior to use of the completed alteration. Additionally, in order to be exempt from the licensing requirements of subsection (a), the owner/occupant must undertake the work required to be licensed without the assistance of others.