The line between "devices" and "IT" is quickly fading as these two categories merge. Hospitals are a good example. A decade ago, many hospitals had two technology departments: "biomed" and "computers". As biomedical devices have becoming increasingly digital and networked, and as IT moves onto mobile devices, many hospitals have consolidated these operations into a single technology organization.

One consequence is that Green ICT embraces medical devices and their infrastructures. Consider Europe's RoHS Directive that "the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment."

The UK government's RoHS page on medical devices states:

Category 8 equipment is presently outside the scope of the RoHS Regulations. However, the Commission is reviewing the Directive at present and it is likely that category 8 will be brought into the Directive in the future.

Is the a reason for Biomedical device manufacturers to not move aggressively to remove hazardous substances? UK RoHS cautions:

Some medical devices may be used in other disciplines, perhaps in domestic or industrial applications. If so, they may also fall under another category and need to comply with RoHS.

More important, businesses committed to global citizenship demonstrate that to their stakeholders by adopting sustainable practices ahead of regulatory requirements.

Update 2011.03.16
A recent Council of the EU meeting addressed WEEE updates, but not RoHS updates outstanding since 2008: "The proposed revised RoHS directive would cover medical devices and monitoring and control instruments." Industry groups support the continued exclusion of medical devices.