R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-25.1-1: Purpose.

In order to provide protection for persons residing in or receiving services from facilities, programs, or agencies licensed, funded, and/or operated by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, all persons eighteen (18) years or older seeking employment in any facility or program licensed, funded, and/or operated by the department shall be required to undergo a national criminal background check for the purpose of determining whether the prospective employee has been convicted of a crime that bears upon his or her fitness to have the responsibility for the safety and well-being of persons residing in or receiving services from facilities, programs, or agencies licensed, funded, and/or operated by the department.