R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-6-8: Local authorization of hospital or camp for communicable disease.

No person, association, corporation, city, or town shall establish any hospital, camp, or other establishment for the treatment of patients suffering from contagious diseases or from the disease known as pulmonary tuberculosis, unless the department of health shall by resolution authorize its establishment in that city or town within definite limits to be specified in the resolution. Before authorizing the establishment of the hospital, camp, or other establishment, the department shall give public notice of the proposed site and give all persons concerned an opportunity to be heard by the department with reference to the establishment and location of the hospital, camp, or other establishment.