R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-5-10: Quorum of commission.

Three (3) members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business. A vacancy in the commission does not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the commission. This section does not preclude one commissioner or a hearing examiner from conducting hearings on any matter within the jurisdiction of the commission; however, a quorum of the commissioners, after having read the full transcript of the hearing, shall be required to reach a decision.