R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66.7-4: Long-term care ombudsperson.

The office of healthy aging shall establish the position(s) of long-term care ombudsperson for the purpose of advocating on behalf of long-term care facility residents and of receiving, investigating, and resolving through mediation, negotiation, and administrative action complaints filed by residents of long-term care facilities, individuals acting on their behalf, or any individual organization or government agency that has reason to believe that a long-term care facility, organization, or government agency has engaged in activities, practices, or omissions that constitute a violation of applicable statutes or regulations or that may have an adverse effect upon the health, safety, welfare, rights, or the quality of life of residents of long-term care facilities. The office of healthy aging may operate the office of long-term care ombudsperson and carry out the program, directly or by contract or other arrangement with any public agency or nonprofit organization.