Does anyone know if AAMI or state agencies recognize test strips such as HACH for Total Chlorine and Free Chlorine instead of DPD foil pillows.Or is there any other method that might be easier?

The AAMI manual indicates DPD tests or other total chlorine test are acceptable. "A DPD test kit selected for this pupose or a similar method shall be used to detect chlorine breakthrough and/or carbon exhastion" (Page 18 Section 4.2.3.7 ANSI /AAMI RD5-1992. 2001 Edition AAMI Standards and Recommended Practices- Dialysis).

Two types of alternative kits are available which are and specifically labeled and quality tested for testing Total Chlorine in post-carbon water in dialysis ... A YES/NO type test from Serim (HiSENSE) and a semi-quantitative strip test from Hach (SteriChek Sensitive brand)and several other suppliers.
Ken Price Serim