R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-4-21

The personnel administrator may use open continuous competitive tests to establish lists and fill vacancies in an agency or agencies where there is a continued shortage of available qualified persons or where there is a manifest imbalance of minorities (as currently defined in employment law as Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians including Alaska Natives, and Asians including Pacific Islanders) in the job category. Open continuous competitive tests shall be subject to the conditions established in this chapter for the preparation of employment lists.