R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66.7-4
The department of elderly affairs shall establish the position(s) of long-term care ombudsperson for the purpose of advocating on behalf of long-term care facility residents and of receiving, investigating and resolving through mediation, negotiation, and administrative action complaints filed by residents of long-term care facilities, individuals acting on their behalf or any individual organization or government agency that has reason to believe that a long-term care facility, organization or government agency has engaged in activities, practices or omissions that constitute a violation of applicable statutes or regulations or that may have an adverse effect upon the health, safety, welfare, rights or the quality of life of residents of long-term care facilities. The department of elderly affairs may operate the office of long-term care ombudsperson and carry out the program, directly or by contract or other arrangement with any public agency or non-profit organization.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66.7-4