R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-44-42: Appointment of appeal tribunals.

To hear and decide disputed claims, the board of review may appoint one or more impartial referees each of whom shall constitute an appeal tribunal to hear and decide appeals from determinations and re-determinations. The board of review may make appointments to it and fix the salaries of it in accordance with the state merit system law, rules, and regulations. No person shall participate on behalf of the board of review in any case in which he or she is an interested party.