R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11-11: Approval of contracts for support of medical education.

(a) The director of administration shall approve any contract negotiated jointly with the department of health, for the support by the state of medical education. The support may include appropriations for the education of medical students at public or private educational institutions in the state. The approval shall be a condition precedent to the contract becoming a binding obligation of the state. The director shall solicit, receive, and review recommendations from the director of the department of health, and the commissioner of higher education prior to approving any above described contract.

(b) The commissioner of higher education shall, no less often than annually, review, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding all aspects of medical education programs in the state.