R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-26
Every hospital operating within this state, whether sustained in whole or in part by charitable contributions or endowments, shall be liable for the neglect, carelessness, or want of skill or for malicious act of any of its officers, agents, or employees in the management of or for the care or treatment of any of the patients or inmates of the hospital in the same manner as any other person or corporation would be liable at common law for similar acts on the part of his or her or its officers, agents, or employees. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to impair any remedy under existing laws which any person may have against any officer, agent, or employee of any hospital for any act or omission in the course of his or her conduct or employment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-26