R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-37-18.1: Physicians required to authorize product selection.

Every licensed Rhode Island physician, when prescribing any drug by brand name, shall in each prescription, oral, written, or electronic, authorize a less expensive generic-equivalent drug product by signing the prescription. If, in the professional judgment of the prescribing physician, the brand name is medically necessary, the physician shall indicate “brand name necessary” on the prescription form. Pursuant to § 42-127.1-7 and chapter 19.1 of this title, an electronic signature shall satisfy this requirement.