R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20-40

The chief of the section shall act as an investigator with respect to the enforcement of all provisions of law relative to the licensing of plumbers, and to this effect whenever a complaint is made by the chief of this section to the director of the department of labor and training, or his or her designee, that provisions of this chapter are being violated, the director, or his or her designee, may issue an order to cease and desist from that violation and may impose penalties against the violator, and against the contractors.