R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-33-8.1
Any employer or insurer may petition the director of labor and training and the director of business regulation for authority to provide health care, diagnosis, and treatment through any health plan, health maintenance organization, or managed care provider licensed in the state. The directors shall have discretion to approve or disapprove the petition, and approval of both directors shall be required to authorize the managed care program. Any such provider, including a nonprofit hospital service corporation or nonprofit medical service corporation, may provide, underwrite, or administer the provision of health care, diagnosis, or treatment arising under chapters 29 - 38 of this title, to the extent specified under the managed care program without incurring any liabilities or obligations under chapters 29 - 38 of this title not specified in the managed care program, and the provider shall not become subject to the regulation and the generally applicable liabilities and obligations of workers' compensation insurers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-33-8.1