R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-2-17: Powers as to health of residents.

In carrying out the provisions of §§ 40-2-12 — 40-2-16, the department is hereby vested with full powers of inspection, examination, isolation, and disinfection of all inmates, prisoners, patients, or pupils in any of the institutions, and the powers may be delegated to, and exercised by, any attending physician at any of the institutions or by another physician as the director of the department may from time to time designate.