R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-41-15: Powers of insurers and hospital and medical service corporations.

An insurance company licensed in this state may either directly or through a subsidiary or affiliate organize and operate a health maintenance organization under the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other law that may be inconsistent with this section, any two (2) or more state insurance companies, or subsidiaries or affiliates of those companies, may jointly organize and operate a health maintenance organization. A hospital or medical service corporation may own and operate a health maintenance organization. With respect to those corporations, operation of a health maintenance organization shall not be deemed to be participation in the business of insurance. The business of insurance is deemed to include the providing of health care by a health maintenance organization owned or operated by an insurer or a subsidiary of an insurer.