R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-2-10

In any case where a milk plant located outside of the state of Rhode Island shall make application in the first instance for a permit, the director may, in his or her absolute discretion, after taking any measures that he or she shall deem necessary to investigate the health of the animals furnishing milk to the plant, their facilities, and the facilities of the plant and/or the quality of milk of the applicant, as the circumstances shall require, issue a temporary permit which shall permit the milk plant to sell or process milk, as the case may be, for ultimate sale in the state of Rhode Island. No temporary permit shall extend for a period in excess of thirty (30) days.