R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-21-8: Designation and assignment of functions and funds.

(a) Whenever the duties of the head of any existing department, division, board, commission, or other agency or of any other officer are prescribed by law, and the duties of the person have been transferred by this chapter to the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals may designate some officer or other subordinate within the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to perform the duties.

(b) Upon the transfer of any functions of any department or agency to the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals pursuant to this chapter, the governor is authorized to transfer or reallocate, in whole or part, by executive order, the appropriations affected thereby.