R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-39.1-5: Agency powers.

The department of health shall promulgate rules and regulations that may be reasonably necessary for the administration of this chapter and to further its purposes. The department of health, on the recommendation of the board of social work examiners, shall:

(1) Issue licenses to those qualified under this chapter;

(2) Examine individuals seeking licensure and pass on the examinations; and

(3) Determine if applicants are qualified for licensure.