R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-95-2: Purpose and legislative declaration.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The legislature declares that the practice of massage therapy is a healthcare and wellness profession in need of regulation and that only qualified persons be permitted to engage in the practice as defined herein.

It is declared that the practice of massage therapy merit and receive the confidence of the public through the enforcement of this chapter, any applicable regulations, and other relevant laws. It is further declared that this chapter is intended to fully occupy the entire field of massage therapy and that any city, town, or subdivision thereof is prohibited from adopting laws that infringe on the scope of this chapter. This chapter shall be liberally construed to effectuate the broad purpose of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.