R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-7.2-9

The secretary, subject to the provisions of applicable state law, shall be the appointing authority for all employees of the executive office of health and human services. The secretary may assign this function to such subordinate officers and employees of the executive office as may to the secretary seem feasible or desirable. The appointing authority of the secretary provided for herein shall not affect, interfere with, limit, or otherwise restrict the appointing authority vested in the directors for the employees of the departments under applicable general and public laws.