R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12.1-2: Transfer of functions from the department of health.

There are hereby transferred to the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals:

(1) Those functions formerly administered by the department of health through or with respect to the office of mental retardation and the Dr. Joseph H. Ladd Center (title 23);

(2) All functions of the office of mental retardation and Dr. Joseph H. Ladd Center formerly of the department of health and of all other officers, employees, agencies and advisory councils, committees or commissions of the office of mental retardation, and Dr. Joseph H. Ladd Center;

(3) So much of other functions or parts of functions formerly of the director of the department of health as is incidental to or necessary for the performance of the functions transferred by subsections (1) and (2).