R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-18

Each agency shall appoint, in writing, some competent person or persons resident in this state as its resident attorney or attorneys with authority to accept service of process against that agency in this state, and upon any of whom all process against the agency in this state may be served. The power of attorney shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state and state the name and address of the resident attorney. If the resident attorney dies, resigns, or moves from the state, the agency shall immediately make a new appointment as prescribed and immediately file the power of attorney in the office of the secretary of state. No power of attorney shall be revoked until after a like power has been given to some other competent attorney resident in this state and filed as prescribed. Service of process upon the resident attorney is deemed sufficient service upon the agency.