R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-30-3: Qualifications of judges — Sessions to hear cases.

(a) A workers’ compensation judge shall be an attorney at law and admitted to the bar. During his or her term of office a judge shall not engage in the practice of law or any other employment and shall not act as counsel or attorney at law.

(b) The workers’ compensation court shall be in session five (5) days a week with all of its members available to hear compensation cases, except during July and August, when at least four (4) judges shall be available to hear workers’ compensation cases. All cases coming before the court shall be heard and decided by any of its members.