R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-23-4: Furnishing of appointment documents to director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

In the event the appointment is by court order or will, a copy of the court order, or of the will together with a copy of the order admitting the will to probate, certified by the clerk of the appropriate court, shall be furnished by an interested party to the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals. No appointment of a parental successor shall be binding on the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals until a properly executed copy of an authorized document or a certified copy of the will, together with a certified copy of the order admitting the will to probate, or a certified copy of the court appointment has been served upon the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.