Rhode Island General Laws Title 28. Labor and Labor Relations § 28-50-2. Definitions

(1) “ Employee” means a person employed by any employer, and shall include, but not be limited to: at-will employees, contract employees, applicants, prospective employees, and independent contractors.

(2) “ Employer” means any person, partnership, association, sole proprietorship, corporation, or other business entity, including any department, agency, commission, committee, board, council, bureau, or authority or any subdivision thereof in state or municipal government. One shall employ another if services are performed for wages or under any contract of hire, written or oral, express or implied.

(3) “ Person” means an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or any other legal entity.

(4) “ Public body” means all of the following:

(5) “ Supervisor” means any individual to whom an employer has given the authority to direct and control the work performance of the affected employee or any individual who has the authority to take corrective action regarding the violation of a law, rule, or regulation about which the employee complains.