The department shall have the power in hearings arising under this chapter to determine the place where the hearing shall be held, to administer oaths, to subpoena witnesses, to take depositions of witnesses residing without the state in the manner provided for in civil actions before courts of this state, and to pay witness fees and the mileage for attendance as is provided for witnesses in civil actions in the superior court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-14.2-12