The state Department of Public Health is telling Baystate Health to prepare a plan for maintaining services if it closes intensive care units at two hospitals.
That's according to the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which says the state has found that the intensive care units at Baystate Noble in Westfield and Baystate Wing in Palmer are necessary for preserving access and health.
The nurses association opposes the closures.
The decision doesn't block Baystate from closing the units and Baystate officials say requested info has already been sent.