R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-21-7: Authority to lease.

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-11-2, the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals may make available, on such terms and conditions and for such periods as it deems proper, facilities under its jurisdiction, or space therein, to affiliating institutions of higher learning and public and private nonprofit agencies, provided that the premises are utilized for direct or supportive services to the developmentally disabled and their families, and/or for education and training of any discipline concerned with the problems of developmental disabilities and/or research directed to the problems of developmental disabilities.