The Louisiana House rejected a bill this week that would have permitted nursing home residents to sue for damages as a result of certain violations of their rights.

While residents can sue to get facilities to stop violations they cannot receive damages, supporters of the bill say. Violations range from religious infringements to mental and physical abuse.

The House defeated the measure 62-28. Rep. Clara Baudoin (D) pushed for the measure, which faced opposition from the Louisiana nursing home industry, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Louisiana Hospital Association. These parties contended that the bill’s passage would result in higher insurance costs because of lawsuits, taking money away from resident care.