R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-4-48: Certification of payrolls and accounts.

All payrolls for the payment of a salary or other compensation for personal services shall contain the names of every person to be paid and shall be certified to the state controller by the appointing authority or his or her duly authorized agent to the effect that the persons named on the payroll or account have been appointed or employed or otherwise established in their positions according to the provisions of law and that the payroll is in conformity with the merit system act and existing state personnel rules.