R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-20-2: Assignment of functions by department heads.

Whenever it is provided by law that an officer under the direction of a department head shall perform certain duties or functions, the department head may designate some person in the department to perform those duties or functions, and the person designated shall have and possess all the rights, duties, and privileges appertaining thereto, notwithstanding any change in the title or designation of the office.