GOUVERNEUR — A conference call with state Department of Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah this afternoon could determine whether Edward John Noble Hospital can reopen soon under an affiliation with Canton-Potsdam Hospital for laboratory oversight or be delayed, which could result in closure.

At least 70 employees of the hospital were told not to report to work today, but officials were unable to tell them when they might return to work.

Hospital board President Dr. Timothy J. Monroe, a veterinarian, said a go-ahead from Mr. Shah to reopen the lab could allow a speedy return to operations.

“Logistically, we could be up and running by Friday,” he said. “I hope the state sees it that way.”

The hospital has until mid-October to turn in its list of corrections. If it has to wait too long for the state to approve the plan, the hospital’s future is murky.

“If it’s a month, I don’t think there’ll be much left here. We would no revenue,” Dr. Monroe said. “We were tight to start with.”

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