Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-12.1-1. Behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals

Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(1) There is hereby established within the executive branch of state government a department which shall be known as the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.  The department shall be headed by a director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals who shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate and who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.

(2) The director shall carry out all of the provisions of all of the general and public laws heretofore carried out by the director of health and the director of social welfare with relation to:

(a) Office of mental retardation;

(b) Division of curative services;

(c) Division of business services with the exception of the licensing of homes for aged and convalescent persons;  and

(d) Mental health law;

whose several functions are by this chapter transferred to the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-12.1-1. Behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-42-state-affairs-and-government/ri-gen-laws-sect-42-12-1-1-nr2/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard