On July 1, 1985, all officers and employees who were engaged prior to such date in the performance of powers, duties and functions of the state board of embalming and who, in the opinion of the state board of mortuary arts, are necessary to perform the powers, duties and functions of the state board of mortuary arts shall become officers and employees of the state board of mortuary arts and shall retain all retirement benefits and all rights of civil service which such officer or employee had before July 1, 1985, and then service shall be deemed to have been continuous. All transfers and any abolishment of positions of personnel in the classified civil service shall be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and regulations.