R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-35-9: Payment of weekly benefits — Admission of entitlement to compensation — Payment of compensation without agreement.

In the event that an employer or insurer makes payment of weekly benefits to an employee without filing a memorandum of agreement or a nonprejudicial memorandum of agreement with the department, the payment shall constitute a conclusive admission of liability and ongoing incapacity and that the employee is entitled to compensation under chapters 29 — 38 of this title and the employer or insurer shall not be entitled to any credit for the payment if the employee is awarded compensation in accordance with these chapters. The employer or insurer shall not file a petition to suspend or reduce payments until a memorandum has been filed with the department.