R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-24-11
The department shall make or cause to be made such inspections and investigations that it deems necessary. Deemed status shall not prohibit the department from conducting any inspection and/or investigation it deems necessary. The department may prescribe by regulations that any licensee or applicant desiring to make a specified type of alteration or addition to its facilities or to construct new facilities shall, before commencing the alteration, addition, or new construction, submit plans and specifications thereto to the department for preliminary inspection and approval or recommendations with respect to compliance with the regulations and standards herein authorized. Necessary conference and consultations may be provided.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-24-11