R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-65-20: Administrative hearings.

(a) Contested cases, contested enforcement proceedings, and contested administrative fines shall be heard, in accordance with the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42, and the administrative regulations promulgated by the board, by the hearings officer(s) assigned by the director of the department of business regulation or the director’s designee.

(b) The board has jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions of the hearing officer(s), and may by regulation impose a filing fee, not to exceed twenty dollars ($20.00), for any appeal.

(c) Notwithstanding the preceding, the director of the department of business regulation, the director’s designee, and the office is authorized to resolve complaints and contested enforcement proceedings through informal disposition pursuant to regulations promulgated by the board.