R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-2-8: Notice of balance to credit of deceased or discharged resident.

When a balance remains after the payment of the amount due the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals for care and treatment, the fiscal agent shall cause notice of the balance to be mailed, postage prepaid, to each discharged patient or inmate at his or her last known address or to the nearest known next of kin of the deceased patient or inmate.