R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-23-20.4: Hearings — Orders.

(a) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, every hearing for the adjudication of a violation or for a contested matter shall be held before a hearing officer or a subcommittee. The chief hearing officer shall assign a hearing officer to each matter not assigned to a subcommittee. After due consideration of the evidence and arguments, the hearing officer shall make written proposed findings of fact and proposed conclusions of law which shall be made public when submitted to the council for review. The council may, in its discretion, adopt, modify, or reject the findings of fact and/or conclusions of law; provided, however, that any modification or rejection of the proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law shall be in writing and shall state the rationales therefor.

(b) The director of the department of environmental management and the coastal resources management council shall promulgate such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as to assure uniformity of proceedings as applicable.