R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-35-17.1: Assessment of costs of delay.

(a) With respect to any delay or continuance of any matter or proceeding before the workers’ compensation court, the court shall have the discretion to determine whether the delay or continuance was due to action or inaction, without just cause, on the part of an employer, employee, insurance carrier, or attorney or other representative of an employer, employee, or insurance carrier.

(b) Upon determination of the responsibility for any delay or continuance, the court shall have the authority to assess all direct costs or expenses incurred by any party or by the court as a result of the delay or continuance, or an appropriate penalty, including reasonable attorney’s fees, upon the responsible employer, employee, insurance carrier, or attorney or other representative. All costs, expenses, reasonable attorney’s fees, and penalties so assessed upon any delaying person or entity shall be disbursed as justice requires pursuant to the discretion of the court except attorney’s fees, which shall be paid to the attorney for the non-delaying party.

(c) The workers’ compensation court shall, pursuant to § 28-30-12, promulgate rules and regulations to enforce this section.