R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-4-32

In case of emergency, an appointing authority may request an emergency appointment of any person to any position without regard to provisions of this chapter to carry on work that must be continued in the public interest, but no such emergency appointment shall continue for more than thirty (30) working days in a twelve (12) month period nor shall successive emergency appointments be made. Approvals for these appointments shall be requested in writing in advance to the personnel administrator. The appointments must be approved by the personnel administrator and the state budget officer.