R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-5-14
The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a member of the bar of this state who has been practicing law for at least five (5) years to fill the office of the mental health advocate. The appointment shall be made from a list of at least three (3) persons prepared and submitted by a committee consisting of one attorney appointed by the Rhode Island Disability Law Center; one person appointed by the Rhode Island Association for Mental Health; one person appointed by the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Rhode Island; three (3) persons appointed by the Coalition of Consumer Self Advocates; one psychiatrist, appointed by the Rhode Island district branch of the American Psychiatric Association; one psychologist appointed by the Rhode Island Psychological Association; one social worker appointed by the Rhode Island chapter of the National Association of Social Workers; and two (2) members of the general public appointed by the governor. The person appointed mental health advocate shall hold office for a term of five (5) years and shall continue to hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-5-14