R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4-2: Establishment of office.

(a) There is established in the department of health the office of state medical examiners. The director of health, with the advice of the state medical examiners commission, is authorized to adopt, amend, promulgate, and enforce rules and regulations and standards that may be designed to further the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter.

(b) The office of state medical examiners shall obtain and maintain accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners or other national accrediting organization in the field of forensic medicine and pathology.