R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-28-27
Any person entitled to any lien under § 34-28-1, 34-28-2 or 34-28-3 who releases the lien before receiving payment for the work done or materials furnished forming the basis of the lien, shall be entitled to demand and receive direct payment therefor from the owner or lessee or tenant or other person as may be obligated or permitted to make the payment on behalf of the owner or lessee or tenant, provided that the person entitled to the lien first obtains the written consent of all persons in line of privity between him or her and the owner or other person; on presentation of a proper demand for the payment, the owner or lessee or tenant or other person shall, if satisfied as to the amount thereof, make payment, on proper receipt therefor, and credit shall be given therefor by all persons in line of privity between the owner or other person and the person releasing the lien.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-28-27