R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-29-2

(a) There is created within the department of health, the Rhode Island board of examiners in podiatry which shall be composed of the following members: four (4) licensed podiatrists; and one public member not associated with the podiatry or medical field. The governor shall appoint the members of the board except, prior to appointing the four (4) podiatry members, the governor shall submit a list of all candidates to the appropriate podiatry societies for comments as to their qualifications. When the board is first constituted, three (3) members shall be appointed to a term of three (3) years, two (2) members shall be appointed to a term of two (2) years, and subsequently, all members shall be appointed to terms of three (3) years. No member shall be appointed for more than two (2) consecutive full terms. A member appointed for less than a full term (originally or to fill a vacancy) may serve two (2) full terms in addition to that part of a full term, and a former member shall again be eligible for appointment after a lapse of one or more years. Any member of the board may be removed by the director of health after consultation with the governor for neglect of duty, malfeasance in office after being given a written statement of the charges against him or her and sufficient opportunity to be heard on the charges. The board shall elect from its members a chairperson and vice chairperson and secretary who shall serve for one year or until their successors are appointed and qualified.

(b) The vice chairperson shall in the absence of the chairperson exercise all powers of the chairperson.

(c) The board shall meet at least twice annually or more often upon the call of the chairperson, director of health, or administrator of the division of professional regulation.