R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-11-13: Pleadings in action on bond for contingent claim.

If the action is brought on a bond, the plaintiff shall set forth his or her original cause of action against the decedent in like manner as would be required upon the same demand against the personal representative, and may allege the nonpayment of the demand as a breach of the condition of the bond; and the defendant may answer any matter of defense that would be available in law against the demand if prosecuted in the usual manner against the personal representative.