Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-1.3-9. Authority of the administrator in cases of emergency

Whenever the administrator finds that an emergency exists requiring immediate action to protect the public health or welfare, he or she may issue an order reciting the existence of the emergency and requiring that action be taken that he or she deems necessary to meet the emergency.  The order shall be effective immediately.  Any person to whom the order is directed shall immediately comply with the order, but on application to the director of health, shall be afforded a hearing within fifteen (15) days.  On the basis of that hearing, the director of health shall continue the order in effect, revoke it, or modify it.