R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-6-7
The director of environmental management, after a public hearing, may establish rules and regulations not inconsistent with this chapter, including health requirements for importing cattle, which have the force and effect of its provisions. A complete record of all animals coming under the chapter shall be kept. The rules and regulations entitled "Health requirements for importing cattle into Rhode Island", a copy of which dated March 6, 1970, signed by the director of health, has been filed in the office of the secretary of state, are approved as the regulations to be effective and in force in the first instance under the provisions of this chapter and shall in all respects be deemed as effective as if adopted in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section. Those regulations shall remain in force under this chapter until and unless amended by the director in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-6-7