There has been a lot of noise regarding open source software as an alternative to the expensive software that are currently out there. Currently proprietary systems cost a couple millions dollars and that is before the additional cost of servers, networks and consultants.
However, while open source software is free, the cost of servers, networks and consultants for support still exist. The worse part is the lack of support if you encountered a bug of some sort. Even though there are open source communities, there is a chance that the community will become stall. At this point you are left with outdated software with no support.
Personally I like to see the adoption of open source EHR software rather than the usage of proprietary software. The vendors are charging an arm and a leg from hospitals that are already suffering in the current economy.