R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-12-9

The director of labor and training may provide by regulation, after a public hearing at which any person may be heard, for the employment in any occupation at wages lower than the wage rates applicable under this chapter of individuals whose earning capacity is impaired by physical or mental disability as he or she may find appropriate to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, to avoid undue hardship, and to safeguard the applicable wage rates under this chapter. No employee shall be employed at wages fixed pursuant to this section except under a special license issued under applicable regulations of the director of labor and training.