R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-1-6: Tenure of officers appointed by governor.

(a) All persons appointed by the governor, or appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, shall severally continue in and hold their respective offices for and during the term for which they were severally appointed and until their respective successors are qualified to act, unless sooner removed in accordance with law.

(b) Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, no person appointed to any office or position subject to the advice and consent of the senate shall assume such office or position or exercise any of the powers of such office or position until the senate shall have given its advice and consent to such appointment. In no case shall the governor appoint or designate any person to serve on an “interim” or “acting” basis in circumvention of this section.