Access terminals are adapted to facilitate updating an access terminal with a valid H-RNTI in response to a network-initiated redirection of an access terminal from a serving cell to a target cell in a wireless communications system. According to at least one example, an access terminal can acquire a target cell in response to a network-initiated redirection indicated by a received redirection message. A determination can be made that a current radio network temporary identity (RNTI) associated with the access terminal is invalid for use in the target cell. In response to the determination that the RNTI is invalid for use in the target cell, a cell update procedure may be initiated to obtain a valid RNTI for use in the target cell. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.